Employee Privacy

Michigan Privacy Rights Lawyers

Nacht & Associates P.C.

Michigan law provides privacy protections to employees only in limited circumstances. Typically, you can only have a right to privacy where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy. In recent years, employers have increasingly announced policies that allow for employee calls and emails to be monitored.  If you are subject to these types of policies then your reasonable expectation of privacy in the workplace is severely limited.

However, there are exceptions. Michigan's "Employee-Right-To-Know" Act forbids an employer from gathering or keeping a record of an employee's associations, political activities, publications, or communications of non-employment activities unless the employee consents. And if an employer does keep such a record, it "shall be part of the personnel record." This provision is almost completely untested in the courts, and its effect is unclear. When our attorneys bring claims under the act, employers often settle before we can get the court to rule. If you believe your employer is spying on you outside of work or illegally keeping secret files, contact an attorney who will fight for your rights and advocate for a more dignified workplace.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us. From offices in Ann Arbor, the attorneys of Nacht & Associates, P.C. serve communities throughout the state of Michigan.