CCTV At Work

platypus · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:07

We've just moved offices. Everything thats bad about the new office aside (believe me there's a lot), I'm just wondering if anyone more knowledgeable about CCTV can let me know where I stand. I think I can complain, but another opinion would be helpful.

Basically, CCTV is being installed in most areas. Correction, it's been installed. Now I'm under the impression that they don't legally have to get our consent, but aren't they required to notify us that they are installing it? And if so, as it's nowhere to be seen in my COE, can I kick up a fuss?

Morba · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:08

Why would you want to kick up fuss? You are there to work.

platypus · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:10

Because I don't like the fact that I can't do anything without being recorded? If they're not happy with my work, they can tell me in the fortnightly meetings, via email, via a private word from my manager, via my monthly evaluations. Any one of a dozen ways without making me feel I'm being watched.

I asked where I stand based on my COE and legal precedents, not for a discussion on why I don't want CCTV at work.

Stretch · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:11

Morba said:
Why would you want to kick up fuss? You are there to work.

Yeah, now bend over and take it like a real man

platypus said:
Because I don't like the fact that I can't do anything without being recorded? If they're not happy with my work, they can tell me in the fortnightly meetings, via email, via a private word from my manager, via my monthly evaluations. Any one of a dozen ways without making me feel I'm being watched.

I couldn't agree more, where do you work?

platypus · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:14

Stretch said:
Yeah, now bend over and take it like a real man

I couldn't agree more, where do you work?

At a software company.

Lamo · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:17

if it is a software company can they not use the excuse that it is put in place to safegaurd their software i.e. your not putting on a memory stick and leaving the building with it.

platypus · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:18

Lamo said:
if it is a software company can they not use the excuse that it is put in place to safegaurd their software i.e. your not putting on a memory stick and leaving the building with it.

Yes of course they can. And given the nature of some of our software, it's understandable. We're not allowed to bring memory sticks on site.

That is not what I'm asking. I'm just wondering if I have any legal basis on whether or not I can say "hang on, I didn't sign up for this, I want out."

MookJong · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:22

You and your life should be an open book to your employer......I can't understand what your problem is?

LordSplodge · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:22

Don't they have to have your consent or at least signs up?

Have they said why?

LordSplodge · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:23

MookJong said:
You and your life should be an open book to your employer......I can't understand what your problem is?

It's getting bad. Who cares what is on my FaceBook(or whatever) as long as I do a good job?

platypus · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:23

MookJong said:
You and your life should be an open book to your employer

Why should it? That's part of the problem with this country. No one is their job.

LordSplodge said:
It's getting bad. Who cares what is on my FaceBook(or whatever) as long as I do a good job?

Quite so.

Lamo · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:24

I don't think they have to ask your consent mate. At my work they put a camera up without asking anybody.

LordSplodge · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:24

platypus said:
Why should it?

I think it was tongue in cheek

platypus · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:25

Lamo said:
I don't think they have to ask your consent mate. At my work they put a camera up without asking anybody.

That is, sadly, what I'm thinking as well

.

Morba · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:25

platypus said:
Yes of course they can. And given the nature of some of our software, it's understandable. We're not allowed to bring memory sticks on site.

That is not what I'm asking. I'm just wondering if I have any legal basis on whether or not I can say "hang on, I didn't sign up for this, I want out."

Legal basis or not, if you dont like it, leave?

MookJong · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:26

platypus said:
Why should it? That's part of the problem with this country. No one is their job.

I was joking

I would be far from happy having a camera pointed at me while I worked.

I saw how they were used at a previous place I worked. Luckily it wasn't installed in the offices but it was used by managers to covertly scrutinies the "proles" on the shop floor.....not nice

teulk · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:27

Is it going to have an impact on how you do your job - i doubt it. Do you do illegal things at work - i doubt that too. Have you got anything to worry about with CCTV being installed - NO. We had it installed in an office where i used to work and it caused no problems at all, no one complained either. Personally i dont see what the problem is unless of course your upto no good and are in fear of getting caught.

~>Dg<~ · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:28

wear an amusing t shirt with some offensive message on the back .if camera behind u .or keep sticking a magnet on it or something else to make it none functional.

Morba · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:30

teulk said:
Is it going to have an impact on how you do your job - i doubt it. Do you do illegal things at work - i doubt that too. Have you got anything to worry about with CCTV being installed - NO. We had it installed in an office where i used to work and it caused no problems at all, no one complained either. Personally i dont see what the problem is unless of course your upto no good and are in fear of getting caught.

Especially as you are on private property, the CCTV could be there for many reasons, of which I doubt one is to monitor what you are doing every minute of your working life.

Lamo · 13 Mar 2008 at 12:30

find out make an model of camera, most these days have web control interfaces. Find out the default admin page address for it and see if they were stupid enough to either not change it and if so not change the default admin password.

If both of those are the case use the web control to change the camera position from pointing at you