FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 Fax: 717-783-6839 Email: nreigelm@pahouse.net	State Rep. Mark Cohen D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/cohen

Cohen bill would let employees know if they are being monitored

HARRISBURG, May 31 – State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., has introduced a bill that would require employers to notify their workers if employee computer usage can be monitored.

Cohen said employees need to be informed of what their company’s computer usage policies are, including if they are subject to monitoring.

“It would be unfair for an employer to subject workers to indiscriminate disciplinary action without first informing them of computer usage policies,” Cohen said. “My bill would require the employer to be upfront about their expectations of what is appropriate and inappropriate usage.”

The legislation (H.B. 1425) would go further by banning video or audio monitoring of employees in employee dressing rooms unless authorized by a court order.

Cohen said that while technological advancements have allowed discreet monitoring, the legislature should act to make it illegal to observe without notice in order to maintain privacy rights for employees.

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