Is it legal for any employer to videotape his employees and record the work area without their knowledge?

Question

I work in a fast food type restaurant, which isn't a McDonalds or anything, and my manager/owner records all of our movements and conversations that go on without our knowledge or consent. None of the employees even knew that he had microphones until one of them overheard the manager listening to two other employees talking about the manager. The cameras themselves are in plain view, but there is no visible microphone attached to them, nor is there any that are in plain sight, so my question is it it legal for him to record us audioly and visualy without us knowing hes doing it?

Answer 1

Yes, except in the bathroom. Assume anything in public is public even roads have cameras and ATM machines, stores, homes, nanny cams.

Answer 2

I am not sure of the technical information, but as a co-owner of the store he is obligated to tell you about any changes or modifications to the store. It sounds like he has planted hidden cammeras. If you are simply an employee, then no he has no obligation to tell you anything that wouldn't affect your ability to do your job or your employment status (wages, benefits too). What I would do is look around and see if you can find one or more. It is illegal to put cammeras in restrooms, hidden or not.

Answer 3

my manager also records everybody through a camera, it is legal they have that right to do that for theyre companys protection, excep for places that can envade their privacy like the bathroom ! i dont know about the microphone though thats just kinda freeky & sneeky.

Answer 4

Yes, it is legal.

There is an old saying 'Never say something to one person that you couldn't say to the world.' Practice this in life and you will be fine.

Answer 5

hell yes and what ever is said and done will not stand up in court

Answer 6

yep.