3) Memo: Have employers’ tactics become too invasive?

A supermarket “bag-boy” is told not to wear an earring to work. He sues. He loses.

A security guard calls in sick from his (company-supplied) cell phone. He’s fired — because, when his boss answers, the boss turns on the GPS tracking system for the phone. The “sick” guard is on a major highway, headed to Las Vegas. He’s fired — on the spot, over the phone.

An employee is fired for watching porn on his office computer. He says it “popped up.” However, the company’s investigation shows that he signed on to the porn site. He’s fired.

These are only a few examples of how employers are monitoring employees and, in some cases, telling them what — or what not — to do.

Your group assignment (two students only) today: After researching other examples of employer/employee relations on the Internet, write a paper in which you argue whether or not employers’ tactics have become too invasive.

Employers argue that they have a right to monitor employees. Some employers also argue that they have a duty to do so (to protect shareholders, for example, by ensuring that employees don’t waste time). Do you agree?

Write about 300 words, using specific examples from the Internet. Use three to four quotes, and cite all sources used (MLA style). You do not need a Works Cited page.