Can my employer search me every time I leave the building?
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Can my employer search me every time I leave the building?
I was just hired at this job a few days ago and they have told me that I am not allowed to bring my purse to work and that I have to be searched by a supervisor by the front doors of the store every time I am about to leave the building. They have done this to me twice already and it was in front of all the customers in the store. I am wondering if that is
legal?
Asked on February 28, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Montana
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Actually it can; it is perfectly permissable under the law. In an "at will" employment relationship, a company can set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit or deems necessary. This inlcudes searching employees as they leave the work premises. The fact is that this to curb employee theft although, your employer could do it for any reason or even no reason at all. This holds true so long as this treatment is not due to some form of legally actionable discrimination or does not violates a union agreement or employment contract.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Yes, it is legal. Employers may set any terms or conditions they like for working at them, including frankly humiliating or unpleasant terms and conditions; such terms and conditions can include that employees can't bring purses or other bags into work, and are subject to searches by supervisors. Employees who don't wish to be subject to that can and should seek other employment.
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