A Cuban woman (@life_byanita) shared on TikTok that she lost her job in the United States because of her Cuban heritage. She explained that although her English is not perfect, she always strived to communicate effectively while working in an environment surrounded by Americans.
However, her immediate supervisor often mocked her accent and pretended not to understand her. "My Cuban accent stands out more than my clothes," the young woman remarked.
Hostile Work Environment
As the relationship with her boss deteriorated, the supervisor began accusing her of not performing her duties correctly. "It all started when she began calling me into the office, acting like I wasn't doing my job properly," she explained.
Feeling attacked, the Cuban woman reacted: "That's when my Cuban side came out." Eventually, her boss filed complaints with the higher-ups. She tried to defend herself in front of the supervisor and noted that she had never spoken better English than at that moment. "I told them it was all lies; that woman clucked like a chicken."
Unfortunately, her reaction did not change the outcome, and she lost her job: "I ended up without a job and unable to pay my debts."
She concluded the video with a reflection: "In this life, few are true friends; the only one who will watch your back is yourself."
Challenges Faced by Cuban Immigrants in the U.S. Workplace
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the difficulties Cuban immigrants may encounter in the American job market, especially concerning language barriers and workplace discrimination.
How can Cuban immigrants overcome language barriers in the workplace?
Cuban immigrants can overcome language barriers by taking English language courses, practicing regularly, and seeking support from bilingual colleagues or mentors.
What legal protections exist for immigrants facing discrimination at work?
Immigrants are protected under U.S. federal law against workplace discrimination based on national origin. They can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if they experience discrimination.
What can individuals do if they feel they are being unfairly treated at work?
Individuals who feel they are being unfairly treated should document incidents of discrimination, seek advice from human resources, and consider legal action if necessary.