In the middle of a feud at work?

Question

This is a long explanation, so if you don't have the patience to read the whole thing, please do not answer.

I'm a 21 year old male working at my dad's Nursery and Garden business. Recently I have gotten indirectly involved in a feud between two workers.

One of my coworkers, a 40 year old female who has worked there for one year, has developed a hatred for another coworker, a 24 year old female who has worked here for five years.

This started because my dad (the owner), fired the first woman's son, but she thought that the other 24 year old woman had CAUSED him to get fired by talking c**p about him to my dad (in truth, he was a horrible worker and a jerk, even my dad agreed).

Since I have been friends with the 24 year old for years, I tried to talk to her and resolve the conflict. She is a native Mexican and we usually speak Spanish to each other. I got in trouble because the other woman ASSUMED we were talking trash about her as well, and told my dad. (continued below)

Answer 1

I agree with your father with regards to not speaking spanish... its unfair and totally unprofessional...

However, your loyalty lays with your family... if your father asks you about the current working situation i feel you need to reflect to your father how it is... However!!!! it is not your place to tel your father your colleague wishes to quit.... prehaps it would be an idea to suggest he speak to both parties involved and resolve any issues they raise...  

My heart goes ot to ya... your in a very uncomfortable position... but you cannot solve the current issues... all you can do is suggest mediation........

play safe x that way you dont upset your father, your friend or da other employee x good luck x

Answer 2

You need to tell your Dad the situation. You are in the middle of something very petty. So let your Dad settle this problem.

He is the one you should be loyal to.

I agree that you should not speak Spanish at work unless everyone understands Spanish.

Answer 3

I wouldn't tell him she wants to quit, because that's something only she has the right to do, and it might mess things up for her.  However, I would defend her, and point out to him that it's descriminatory to not allow Spanish to be spoken when that is her native language.  Explain that the other woman was just being paranoid, and that you would not be talking trash about her anyway.  By forbidding you to speak Spanish means he's not trusting you either, which is unreasonable.  Maybe explain that the other woman is confused as to why her son was fired, so your dad can explain to her that it had nothing to do with anyone but her son and his performance.

EDIT: You might also want to sit down with her (the 40 yr old), and reassure her that you would never talk trash, or allow anyone else to.  Try to ease her mind...sometimes it can be disconcerting when others are speaking a language that you don't understand.