Can my employer and HR discuss me with other employees?
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Can my employer and HR discuss me with other employees?
Recently, I have had a couple medical problems to where I have to take medicine. I work 40 hours a week and have some side effects of the medicine, one of them being drowsy at times. I was told to report this to my manager when it happens, I drive a forklift and I’ll do a different job. I now am finding out that I may lose my position at my job even though I followed the guideline, and that the HR manager and other members of management have been talking behind my back to other employees, one of which is my brother, as to what to do with me. Is this legal, and what options do I have about my privacy? I feel really disrespected by what is going on and think that the other employees should know only on a need to know basis.
Asked on March 6, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Kentucky
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, you don't seem to have a case. There is no right to privacy in the workplace; disclosure of a medical condition by your employer to co-workers breaks no law. The fact is that a company can set the conditions of the workplace much as it sees fit (absent some form of actionable discrimination which does not seem to apply here). Therefore, unless this action violates the terms ofe a union agreemnt or employment contract, you have no claim here.
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