Union: We’d never back ban on speaking Welsh
AUNION has blasted an aircraft firm’s claims it sanctioned a request that workers speak English when non-Welsh speakers are present.
Babcock, which maintains planes at RAF Valley, Anglesey, is at the centre of a language row after it confirmed it asks Welsh-speaking workers to speak English “in the interests of politeness”.
The company said the move was “discussed and agreed” at a union meeting last month – but Unite has categorically denied there was any such agreement.
David Hawkins, from the union, said: “Whoever gave the statement that there had been an agreement in the December meeting was clearly mistaken.
“The meeting was held before Christmas because our reps had raised their concerns about people being told not to speak Welsh and wanted to ask what was the Welsh language policy.
“Our reps were not in agreement. They wouldn’t be in agreement. That’s Babcock’s position.
“The response they got was that they didn’t have a Welsh language policy as this isn’t a legal requirement.
“However, they said that there was no desire to stop any person speaking Welsh during social interaction or, indeed, enacting company business requirements, should all involved speak Welsh, but stated that the ‘busi- ness language is English’.”
Mr Hawkins added: “Our position and the position of the Unite branch at Valley is that we would never support any organisation that would try and prevent or discourage the use of Welsh.”
He said the union could now take action against Babcock over their rights to speak Welsh, adding: “It may well come to a grievance. People are feeling very strongly about it.”
Bangor Mail asked Babcock to respond to Unite’s comments but the firm declined the offer.
Squadron Leader Dave Williams, from RAF Valley, said Welsh is spoken “every day across all parts of the station”.
“English is the international lan- guage of aviation, and so most engineering activity on the station will be discussed in English,” he added. “Also, all aviation technical publications are in English only.
“Outside of this, there are no restrictions on anyone who wishes to speak Welsh, the first language of many of our personnel.”
BAE Systems and its maintenance partner Babcock employ 470 people at the airbase. A source said a training manager with Babcock allegedly told off employees for speaking Welsh.
He said Welsh-speaking HR staff visiting her department were “humiliated”, and the claims are now being investigated by Welsh Language Commissioner Meri Huws.