Can I be ordered by threat of firing not to speak Spanish with fellow employees while on the job?

Can I be ordered by threat of firing not to speak Spanish with fellow employees while on the job?

I was recently ordered by my companies supervisors that I am not to speak Spanish with my fellow Spanish-speaking co-workers. I work as a bilingual representative doing customer service and hired to speak Spanish to our customers who only speak Spanish. Is it legal for my company to demand I not speak Spanish with other employees while on the job? Do I have just cause in fighting this or do they have a right to fire me for disobeying this demand.

Asked on March 1, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Michigan

Answers:

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