On Monday (December 1st), language campaigners will begin a national boycott of Morrisons stores. The news comes after discussions between the supermarket and Cymdeithas yr Iaith revealed that Morrisons managers do not offer guidance when it comes to the Welsh language, or have a policy in place that reflects the official status of the language. Back in January of this year, follwing the consternation when Morrisons staff refused a prescription because part of it was in Welsh, Cymdeithas yr Iaith wrote to the company, requesting talks about changes to ensure fairness for the Welsh language and customers in Wales.  

Manon Elin, Language Rights spokesperson for Cymdeithas yr Iaith, said:  

"We are continuing to discuss with Morrisons, but unfortunately, even after years of discussions, they still have no Wales-wide language policy. They have said they want to "increase the use of the Welsh language" - which is encouraging - but we don't agree that it should be up to staff in individual stores to decide on the provision of Welsh-language promotional materials and publications in each store. Clear guidance is needed from their senior officers.  

"We believe that Morrisons, as a company making profits in Wales, have a duty to respect the Welsh language. By going ahead with the boycott, we firmly believe that this important struggle can be won, especially during the company's busiest period leading up to Christmas. "  

In August this year, the language organization published their demands to Morrisons, which are ensuring all signs in Wales are bilingual; clear bilingual labels on all Morrisons brand products; an Employment Policy and Recruitment Campaign to ensure sufficient staff that are able to serve customers in Welsh in every store in Wales; bilingual marketing and promotional material; and tanoy messages to be bilingual in all stores in Wales.  

Jamie Bevan, chairman of Cymdeithas, added:

"We always hear the opinion that we should not protest against a specific company - the problem with that argument is that it leads to nothing changing. Targeting Morrisons is just, not only in terms of the company's own shortcomings, but as an example of a more general injustice - namely the lack of respect and attention such shops show the language. Our politicians in the Welsh Assembly have the power to address these shortcomings, and we call on them to add supermarkets and high-street stores to the list of companies that come under language legislation, so that people's rights are respected, and so that the language is promoted across more aspects of life.

"We call on the friends of the Welsh language to join this national boycott, until Morrisons take our language seriously. This is also a great opportunity to do a lot more of our shopping at local businesses. Morrisons need to adopt a national policy, which reflects the status of the language, and sets consistent standards through all their stores in Wales. We cannot accept pledges as the months and years go by, only to be offered the same crumbs again. This is not a threat, but rather a refusal to comply with an unjust system. "