Russian truck driver alleged he was terminated due to his accent

A Utah truck driver has claimed that FedEx terminated his employment due to his Russian accent, according to the Associated Press. Ismail Aliyev, the truck driver, told his managers that he was willing to meet with higher-ups within the company to show his acceptable English-speaking skills but was allegedly fired regardless.

Aliyev has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against FedEx as well as the long-haul contracting company, GNB Trucking Co., that hired him and was told that his employment's been terminated. The plaintiff claims that the problems arose when an Iowa weighing station sent a warning note to his company regarding his Russian accent, since it is a requirement to communicate effectively in order to operate a commercial vehicle.

"We haven't fired anyone for that," Ben Ishhanov, a manager for the trucking firm, told the news source. "If FedEx told us to fire a driver, we can't do anything about that. Some guys don't know any English. That's the problem."

The plaintiff's lawyer, Robert Wilde, said that the FedEx manager instructed to fire Aliyev did not take the time to speak with him in English and also turned down his proposal to fly to FedEx headquarters and demonstrate his speaking abilities.

This case clearly shows that employers who are thinking of firing someone with a heavy accent should think again. Business owners have a duty to their staff and company to avoid workplace lawsuits and training their managers on appropriate termination policies is vital in this endeavour.

The American Civil Liberties Union and other advocates have found these issues abound in states that have strong anti-immigration stances, according to the Press Enterprise. Arizona companies should work with Phoenix business lawyers to ensure their termination practices comply with state laws.

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