4.39 Pay Differential – Bilingual/Multilingual/Sign Language

PURPOSE:

To identify eligibility and fluency level for positions that communicate with the public in a recognized and approved language other than English (including Braille or American Sign Language (ASL) on a recurring basis, as determined by the College administration.

APPLICABILITY:

The use of an additional language must be used to perform an essential function of the position. The required level of fluency is determined by a score of three (3) or higher on the Language Testing International (LTI) exam for the language in which the individual is fluent.

At any time, College administration may determine that the additional language skills are no longer needed, and the bilingual differential may be ended at any time. The discontinuation of the bilingual differential shall not be subject to the grievance or arbitration procedure.

SCOPE:

Employees supported by the MMA (Middle Management Association), MAPE (Minnesota Association of Professional Employees), and AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) contracts.

DEFINITIONS:

Recurring basis:

Positions that utilize an additional language on a recurring basis to support an essential function of the position.

Fluent/fluency:

The ability to speak or write a language other than English easily and accurately, determined by the LTI exam.

DOES THIS POLICY HAVE A PROCEDURE?

New hires for positions requiring a second language must submit documentation of their LTI assessment at time of application.

Current employees whose positions would benefit from a second language may work with Human Resources to complete the LTI exam to determine eligibility.

LIST RELATED POLICIES, PROCEDURES OR FORMS:

Submit completed form and policy to the Cabinet Member responsible for the division affected by the proposal. This section to be completed by President’s Office.

Date Implemented: September 2024-new

Responsible Division / Author: Human Resources / Vice President of Employee Relations & Human Resources

Date Revised: