IN THE NEWS: Joshua Hawks-Ladds Comments on Case Involving Use of GPS Devices to Monitor Employees

Pullman & Comley Labor and Employment attorney Joshua Hawks-Ladds, who also serves as chair of the Executive Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association's Labor & Employment Law Section, commented on a case involving the city of Bridgeport's use of GPS devices to track the activities of two fire inspectors in "Workers Can't Sue Over GPS Law Violations: More Employers Make Use of Tracking Devices," by Christian Nolan.

The inspectors, who lost their jobs after the use of the devices proved that they were spending very little time actually working, later field a lawsuit against the city of Bridgeport, claiming violation of a state statute that prohibits an employer from electronically monitoring employee activities without prior notice.  The Superior Court judge ruled against the inspectors, "granting motions filed by the city to dismiss the suits on the grounds that the men didn't exhaust available administrative remedies."  The state Supreme Court unanimously upheld the trial court's decision in early January.

"This case puts to bed any question of whether a private right of action exists" under the GPS statute, Josh explained.  "The answer from the Supreme Court is such a right does not exist.  And its irrelevant of whether the employer in question is public or private."

For more information, contact info@pullcom.com.