My company is instituting a policy where they open/inspect all packages (even personal deliveries) sent to the office. Naturally, being at work during FedEx/UPS delivery hours, most of us have everything sent here. I find this new policy to be a tremendous invasion of privacy, and I'm wondering if it's legal for them to go through mail/packages that are clearly addressed to me (and not my company). I've been here for 2 years, and our building has never had any security issues (and there aren't any that I'm aware of) - folks are claiming this has to do with SOX compliance, but I know that doesn't include personal mail. It's not like I'm having anything nefarious delivered, but I don't want the receptionist seeing what I'm ordering/how much I'm spending/etc. as a matter of principle.
If anyone could provide any clarification, it'd be much appreciated. Thanks!
2007-03-30 04:08:24 · 7 answers · asked by C 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Corporations
As long as it's being delivered to their property, they have the right to inspect it. Just like you can inspect anything delivered to your property (excluding rental property, as tenant laws are different).
For a private company to inspect mail being delivered to their property is no different from many companies inspecting private emails sent to the on-the-job email address.
My husband works for a company like this. They have never had security problems, but they are a wholesale funding company and want to prevent anyone's financial information from getting stolen. So all packages going in and out of the building are inspected, as are all emails going to or from the office. Their computer screens are also monitored, because they have to have internet access for some of their work, so they monitor which site the employees are on to make sure no one is going to 'unapproved sites'.
In today's world of industrial espionage, identity theft, etc, this type of policy is becoming standard by companies looking to protect themselves now and in the future.
2007-03-30 04:20:16 · answer #1 · answered by Raising6Ducklings! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do they have the right to inspect your packages?
Unfortunately yes, your company has the right to open your packages as long as they give you sufficient notice.
Is this a good idea?
Unless you work at the Pentagon, probably not. Some people will feel that their privacy is being invaded. Others may have to take time away from work to go pick up packages at UPS or Fed Ex shipping centers.
I have heard of companies who hold personal packages until the end of the day to avoid a security breach. I think this is a better solution in terms of productivity and morale.
Sox Compliance?
I find that very hard to believe. Sarbanes-Oxley deals primarily with financial reporting, evaluating and disclosing the effectiveness of internal controls as they relate to financial reporting. Unless your personal mail has any bearing on the company's balance sheet, it is unlikely that SOX is relevant. I am failing to make any possibly connection. I find that very few people understand SOX compliance, but a lot people use it as justification.
2007-03-30 04:44:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's probably perfectly legal. It's the Company's premises. There is also the safety and security aspect to consider. Someone might be having something delivered that was illegal, unsafe, or against Company policy. Some Companies do not allow personal deliveries or personal mail to be delivered to the Companies' premises at all.
2007-03-30 04:16:56 · answer #3 · answered by Alex 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as they provide you with notice before it comes in effect it is legal. This way it gives you the choice wheather or not you want to bring bags in or to have your personal deliveries there. Most warehouses have a baggage check before you can start your shift and before you can leave. It is to help control shortages within the company as well as security of what is coming in. I know it is and feels like an invasion but they do have the right.
2007-03-30 04:18:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your motor vehicle might have been roadworthy whilst the inspection happened. Do you anticipate the mechanic to strip your engine down? the motor vehicle might have had a issue that the mechanic did no longer examine, that's no longer all the way down to the mechanic, autos smash down each and all of the time. As for you been advised the motor vehicle could no longer have exceeded, are those human beings motor vehicle mechanics or in simple terms friends. I don' think of you have a declare.
2016-11-24 23:46:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, perfectly legal. Private property. Wouldn't you want to have the right to inspect the crap of anyone who came into your house?
2007-03-30 04:10:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the name of safety, anyone who truley has nothing to hide will hide nothing.
2007-03-30 04:15:51 · answer #7 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋