Think Twice Before Reading Employees' Text Messages
A recent decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has provided a loud wake-up call to employers who wish to monitor employee communications. In <i>Quon v. Arch Wireless Operating Co, Inc. et al.</i>, the court held that the City of Ontario, CA, violated the state and federal constitutional privacy rights of its police officers when it reviewed their personal text messages.
Verdicts
Recent rulings of importance to you and your practice.
No Genes in the Workplace
On May 21, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008. This act prohibits employers and insurers from discriminating against individuals based on an individual's genetic information. The Act, which, on the employment side, is patterned after Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, creates a new federal cause of action for genetic discrimination, providing for jury trials, compensatory damages and punitive damages.
Same-Sex Marriage: Survey on Policies
The start of same-sex marriages in California on June 16 made headlines across the country. However, it was not such a big deal for many U.S. companies. These businesses already give their gay and lesbian employees many of the same benefits that they provide to their married straight workers.
Verdicts
Recent rulings of importance to you and your practice.
Office Romances And 'Love Contracts'
A consenting romantic or sexual relationship between two employees, and especially between a manager/supervisor and an employee, may lead to complications, difficulties and legal problems for all concerned ' the employees, the manager/supervisor and the company. Hence the "love contract."
Think Twice Before Reading Your Employees' Text Messages
A recent decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has provided a loud wake-up call to employers who wish to monitor employee communications. In <i>Quon v. Arch Wireless Operating Co, Inc. et al.</i>, the court held that the City of Ontario, CA, violated the state and federal constitutional privacy rights of its police officers when it reviewed their personal text messages.