Spying on employees?

Question

I work at a Hotel so we are open 24 hrs. We just got cameras installed at the front desk, the Manager can access and view it anytime online. AND HE DOES! He views workers working while he is at home! He will actually call and question certain things, LIKE why we arent wearing our name tags! My question is, is this against the law or something or can he really watch us while he is not working? Arent there any stipulations against security? is this considered spying and does this violate our privacy?? this seems creepy and kind of perverted. And its beginning to p**s us all off! HELP PLESE!!

Answer 1

Unfortunately it is legal to use video surveillance to monitor employees in a business.  The sticky part comes when the employer is making an audio recording of the surveillance or if they are monitoring places such as restrooms or locker rooms, which are considered private.  There is an issue with the legality in those situations.

As far as the situation you described, it is perfectly legal.  It is not considered spying, it is considered protecting the business investment.  And hotels do have a pretty high rate of employee theft, so it is likely well justified in the industry.  

Of course, the fact that your boss monitors you constantly and calls with questions when he sees somethings tells me he has some serious personal issues.  He is not only micromanaging and clearly has control issues, but what he is doing is akin to voyeurism.

Answer 2

if he is watching you he is working.

wear your nametags and do your jobs.

yes he can do it and he does do it.

your alternative is to do things right or quit.

Answer 3

Sorry, many companies watch their employees.

Answer 4

It is creepy and your solution is to find another job but, really, completely legal.

Answer 5

I called that micro-management. I think he also a bit too workaholic,he does that even when he's home lol?  Not sure if is against the law, check your local laws, if you live in UK, then such thing you mention is okay, sin ce they had camera installed everywhere, incase you didn't know there's camera installed in some of the retair store change clothing section; why because they don't wanna steal their cloth lol.

Answer 6

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you're out of luck.  The so-called "right to privacy" is a legal fiction.  Not only does the Constitution offer no guarantee to privacy (remember, the police can still enter your home and search as long as they have a warrant), the Supreme Court recently ruled that business owners may place surveillance cameras just about anywhere they like, even if they're used to watch-dog employees.  The only exceptions to that rule are bathrooms, locker rooms, hotel rooms, sauna/steam rooms, and any room like that where people may be partially or completely undressed.

My advice is to get another job if you don't like the boss spying on you.