Legal Question in Employment Law in Pennsylvania
Use of video & audio cameras in the work place
I work in a doctors office where I have my own office, and recently found out that the Doctor put up video & audio cameras in my office and the lunch room. She only informed one employee that she did this and she was sworn to secrecy. I know she watches and listens to these tapes daily because some things that have been talked about by employees have come up in her converstations. Can she do this without all employees consent?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Use of video & audio cameras in the work place
You asked about remote surveillance of the workplace.
Video surveillance by an employer is actually very common, but not audio surveillance. It is not illegal to video people in or from places where persons have a privilege to be. Though often the the images are republished and become an invasion and therefore actionable.
The difference here seems to be that your employer is using audio surveillance also. This is illegal in almost any form. It may be both a civil tort and criminal act and is likely actionable as both. It is unlawful (and rude) to eavesdrop or or record a conversation to which the listener is not a party and to which the listener does not have full consent. Generally, the employer cannot say that consent was implied or even that consent was specifically granted in an employment agreement.
You need to speak with an attorney immediately about how to proceed with this matter.
Regards,
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