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Gov. Pataki Limits Video Surveillance |
The new state law signed by Gov. Pataki sets to penalize those employers who have set up video-monitoring devices in worker changing rooms. As devices become more sophisticated, employees awareness of the cameras decreases drastically - it would be virtually impossible to keep up with all the trends in emerging technology.
Debate over the bill centered around legitimate employer monitoring of employee activities. Opponents of the bill held that surveillance cameras function as theft deterrents and time stamps for employees. At what point does it become unfair to eavesdrop? When do we cross the line of employee surveillance and reach a violation of privacy?
The new law allows workers to sue employers in civil cases seeking damages, attorneys' fees and an injunction preventing further improper monitoring.
The bill allows video or audio surveillance of changing rooms if authorities are acting under a court order.
The new law is in effect. |
