Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says a Wellington bus company that is asking its workers to speak only English needs a reality check.
Mana Coach Services' company handbook asks its drivers to use only English, even in the staffroom.
Chief executive officer Geoff Norman wrote to the Tramways Union saying "the use of a language in front of others who do not understand what is being said, we consider to be the height of bad manners".
The rule was to prevent staff feeling left out, or that they were being talked about, "critically or otherwise", he said.
(First third of article from The Dominion Post quoted unchanged.)
A good example of a Maori politician advocating for non-Maori, which happens often, and often without recognition.
Speaking of Maori, there was no mention of te reo Maori being spoken in the whole article. Being an official language of NZ, how does one forbid it (regarding general chat and disregarding important messages such as safety ones)?
Edited for link colour.
Last edited by relict on Sat Apr 18, 2009 8:36 pm; edited 1 time in total