IAP Political Forum

Is it it legal for a company to GPS employee cell phones? The phones are provided by the employer. And honestly it is not the time at work that bothers me. Its the time after work when they could still monitor us. Vacation time, week ends, etc.

In some ways I was kind of looking forward to the new cell phones. The slackers would be found out, I would have easy access to directions. But a few of the other employees have convinced me that it is a too big brother-ish. What do you guys think?

I am sure it is completely legal for them to monitor their own property, the phone.  As to them having any say over what may happen when you are off the clock, that would depend.  Is California an at will employment state?

I usually leave my company phone at the office (it is mainly for field work, so i don't burn up my minutes), and if I bring it home it stays here until I go back to work. It's their property, and I treat it as such. They would be completely withing their bounds to track it. I would expect to be made aware of this, and would not agree to being required to carry it when I'm not at work (it would take a very large salary for me to be "on call").

We have a couple GPS units for out in the field, and to be honest, I wouldn't mind at all if they tracked my movement while at work. I spend a fair amount of time in the wilderness by myself, so not only would it be safer, but also could help planning logistics for field work, and there would be a record of where I was if any issues ever came up. Could help if a trespassing issue was raised by a landowner whose land I wandered onto while surveying. There is a great deal of trust at the office where I work now, so the management doesn't really take any drastic steps to monitor the employees.

well, most cell phones have a GPS locator on them these days...why do you care, I'm curious.

First, if it isn't yours, but your company's, they can (and should) be able to track their assets (the cell phone).

Secondly, who cares if they do? Will they really? What were you doing up there in the San Diego hills last week that you don't want people knowing about?

Thirdly, if not your employer, then surely the phone company has a right to track you. I don't see this as too much of a problem unless they start charging me a mileage tax, or mailing me speeding tickets (or worse yet, having the fine show up on my bill).

In other words, you can always turn the damn thing off...if that doesn't work, take the battery out.

Honestly I don't care if they track me I am just upset that I have to give up my Treo that I bought with my own money. :'(
I am where I say I am. If anything I don't charge the company for as many hours as I can.

why do you have to give up your Treo?

they paid the bill before and now that they are providing cell phones they don't.

bummer. do you have a cancellation fee?

the company is going to pay it. Any one in the market for a sprint treo?

craigslist

Good Idea! I didn't even think of that.