Union President

[guestpost]

Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs we have employees who are under surveillance cameras for their safety. Management has been reviewing the recordings to find wrong doings by two certain employees who file a ULP against them. Is this legal?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

You might want to read this article on "surveillance and monitoring at work" which should shed some light on this employment issue. In short, why would you think that it is illegal? Because you shouldn't be able to use video evidence that is meant to protect them as a weapon against them? Absent some special exception, I don't believe there is anything wrong with reviewing the video and determining whether evidence exists.

 

[disagreeable]

You need to consult your union contract. Though generally camera surveillance can be used in a disciplinary action some CBA's restrict its use.