Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Washington

Bugging the breakroom.

I am an independant contractor with my own bussiness license. I conduct my business from a shop. If I make money I pay a house fee. We have no manager or owner on site and open and close ourselfs. We have a small breakroom/lounge to hangout in until a customer comes in. The manager recently put a microphone in there without our knowledge and recorded our private conversations. Can this possible be legal?


Asked on 1/25/06, 2:19 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Bugging the breakroom.

Washington is what is called an all party consent state. The Washington Privacy Act (RCW 9.73) includes a prohibition on audio recording. Violation is a gross misdemeanor (RCW 9.73.080). It also prescribes a civil remedy with attorney's fee provision at RCW 9.73.060. There are a few exceptions to the prohibition. See for examples of exceptions: RCW 9.73.030 and 9.73.040.

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Answered on 1/25/06, 4:52 am


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