In Barcelona, a judge has overturned the application requirements for a cemetery worker position in Vic, ruling that demanding a B2 level of Catalan from candidates was excessive. The decision came as a surprise to many, given that the role does not require frequent interaction with visitors or handling documentation.
The municipality of Vic had previously established rules requiring applicants to demonstrate Catalan proficiency of at least B2 and to pass mandatory oral and written exams. However, the court found that such conditions did not reflect the actual duties of a cemetery worker and could restrict job access for those without that language level.
The judge noted that for most positions in Catalan public institutions, command of Catalan is indeed important, but in this particular case the requirement was disproportionate. According to the court, if a job does not involve continual interaction or complex linguistic tasks, a high level of language proficiency becomes a barrier rather than a tool for integration.
This decision has sparked a lively debate among local residents. Some believe that knowledge of Catalan should be mandatory for everyone working in public institutions, while others argue that basic skills are sufficient for low-skilled jobs. The question of whether a high level of language proficiency is justified for such positions remains open and will likely continue to be a topic of discussion in Catalonia.
