Workplace Privacy KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
Is Workplace Privacy Protected Under The Labor Law of California?
Through technological advances, employers are able to monitor almost every move that an employee makes; especially on computer terminals, telephones, voice mails, emails and even when they are online. In fact, every single thing that employees do in their office gets recorded and can be checked by the employers anytime they want. But, the only problem here is that monitoring the virtual movements of anyone is unregulated until and unless specified under the policies of the company. Simply put, as long as your company tells you they are monitoring your actions they free reign.
This means that if you are being monitored at your workplace, and the same is not mentioned in the work policies governing the company, then this is a violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Department of California. There are many privacy acts that support this, such as Electronic Communications Privacy Act and Employee Workplace Privacy Act. These acts have specified certain guidelines for protecting the privacy of any employee who is part of a company or organization in California.
Listening To Telephone Calls and Computer Monitoring
The first question that would arise in any employee’s mind is “Does the employer have a right to listen to my telephone calls or monitor my online movements?” In certain cases, the answer is “yes” they do have a right but there are limitations or specific guiding principles that they should abide with. For instance, in the California state law it is strictly mentioned that the employer should disclose that their conversation is being recorded and the same is denoted with a beep tone, as better stated by California Public Utilities General Order 107-B.
However, those organizations who fail to satisfy this law are liable under the labor law of California and thus they can be penalized by the employee. Other than that, such employers are even found guilty under the federal law of the state, where justice is given to the employees for their privacy.
Don’t assume you are safe on your own phone, and don’t assume they have the right; get professional help NOW.
If you, or someone you know, are facing legal issues in the workplace United Employees Law Group has the answers. Call Today for your free and confidential case review. Please feel free to CONTACT US with any questions about this blog or your exact situation.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Chinnapong