Levi Strauss & Co. review: Racial discrimination/ harassment at the workplace

My name is Ana Leon, and I have been employed at Levi Store 443 for three years. I am writing to you regarding issues at work that interfere with how I effectively do my job. These issues were addressed numerous times to Alexandria Zimmerman, the general manager at Levi in Woodbury Commons. These concerns and issues were also addressed to Human Resources via email and phone. With no resolution, these issues continue, and I'm being targeted by other managers, starting with Alexandria.

Recently, on 1/05/2024, I received a call from H.R. Kelly Sykora investigating me about speaking Spanish to other associates. Sometime last year, Alexandria held a meeting stating"that we could not speak Spanish at work". At the time, there were only two Spanish-speaking supervisors; now, it's only me. Most of our clients are tourists, many of whom speak Spanish. Numerous times, Alexandria passed by me and made remarks like "Ana Espanol," pointing at a Spanish-speaking customer for me to attend to them. I find that disrespectful and uncomfortable as if I'm being made fun of. Keep in mind two employees only speak Spanish, and I've been used to translate in that manner every time.

EEOC Regulation 29 C.F. R. 1606.7 (a) provides that a rule requiring employees to speak only English at all times in the workplace is a burdensome term and conditions of employment. Such a rule is presumed to violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964.

I feel targeted and racially profiled by other Managers, starting with the General Manager Alexandria Zimmerman, As far as my performance, I am the go-to employee for training, and I am consistently one of the top sellers. This behavior is constant not only with me but also with other employees. In a company where they implement diversity, equity, and inclusion and managers are to lead with empathy, Alexandria Zimmerman does not show an example of that. Morale is continuing to decrease, and the turnover rate is increasing. At this point, my Job here at Levis is in jeopardy, and the chances of my continued growth with this amazing company are slim to none. Be advised these issues were addressed not only to H.R. several times throughout the years via e-mail but also to District Manager Jennie Simon via e-mail and verbally with no resolution.