A young woman was farewell from the market two days after publishing a tweet where she reported that her supervisor demanded that she spoke only Spanish with customers. The case happened at the company’s store in Oliva, Valencia, and has already generated public debate on linguistic rights and freedom of expression.
The situation occurred on the first day of work of the employee, student of Catalan Philology, who communicated on social networks the orientation given to him.
Requirement to speak only Spanish
According to the young woman, Laura García, her superior indicated that she should only use the Spanish in service, justifying that there were clients from outside that could be bothered by the use of Valenciano, explains the work.
Laura says she responded briefly, with a “what sadness,” and later reported the episode on the former Twitter social network. The publication eventually became viral.
Dismissal without formal explanations
Two days after the tweet, received a contract termination letter, the same source also states. The Mercado justified the decision referring only that the young collaborator “did not live up to expectations”, without presenting prior warnings or concrete motives.
Laura clarified that she did not refuse to use the Spanish, but that she naturally expressed herself in Valenciano, changing her language when needed to ensure customer understanding.
Regional Language Protected by Law
The case raises doubts about respect for linguistic rights in the Valencian community. Autonomy status recognizes Valenciano as an official language, along with Spanish, and prohibits any discrimination based on the language used.
Law 4/1983 on the use and teaching of Valenciano reinforces this principle, determining that linguistic choice cannot lead to unequal treatment in access to work or relationship with public or private entities.
Impact of social networks on the case
The former employee suspects that the tweet publication had a direct influence on the decision to say goodbye. “If I hadn’t tweeted anything, it would probably still be there,” he told Vilaweb in statements.
In another tweet, Laura wrote: “Yes, I was fired. And for those who judge for ignorance: I have a career, I always worked and know very well what it takes to make a living. This is not ignorance, it is authenticity and class pride.”
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Freedom of expression and legal context
Labor law experts, cited by, explain that during the probationary period, a company may end the contract without a cause, provided that there is no violation of fundamental rights.
However, they stress that if the dismissal has resulted directly from the tweet publication, it may configure a case of reprisal, and it is necessary to prove the connection between the two events.
Repercussions in the academic and professional future
The young woman lamented the outcome, but keeps the conviction that she acted correctly. It is now looking for another job to continue to fund university studies.
“I am sorry to lose my job, but not to speak Valenciano,” he said. “We are in Oliva, not in Albacete; here, changing language should not be a reason to resign.”
Reactions and debate in the community
The situation raised criticism in social networks and raised questions about the management of linguistic diversity in companies with presence in bilingual regions.
Several users pointed out that the attitude of the young woman was of adaptation and respect, and that the episode highlights a possible disrespect for the rights enshrined in regional legislation. The Mercado has not issued any public statement to the case to the present case involving the dismissal of the young woman.
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