Can an employee demand copy of my texts?
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Can an employee demand copy of my texts?
My employer is reviewing if they can fire me due to texting and flirting with a co-worker. They have asked for a written statement and are now demanding copy of the texts that we exchanged. Am I obligated to turn them over.
Asked on August 25, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Yes, your employer can ask to see your texts, unless doing so violates the terms of a union agreement or employment contract. The fact is that most work relationships are "at will" which means that a company can set the conditions of the workplace much as it sees fit. That having been said, you can't be physically forced to turn them over; you can refuse. However, if you do so, you can lose your job. In fact, you can be fired for any reason or no reason at all, woith or without notice.
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