Stopping the Spying: US Labor Unions’ Responses to Electronic Surveillance at Work

Abstract

The use of electronic surveillance by employers has become increasingly common in recent years and can take many forms, including video surveillance, keystroke logging, and GPS tracking. While employers often claim that this surveillance is necessary to protect their property and increase productivity, it can also have negative consequences for workers, including work intensification and loss of a sense of autonomy at work. This paper examines the concerns, responses, and limitations of US labor unions in limiting electronic surveillance and its harms to workers. Expert interviews conducted with 7 union leaders in 2023 reveal that US unions are aware of and concerned about electronic surveillance of members. Through political advocacy and collective bargaining, unions have a vital role to play in protecting workers’ privacy rights, though limitations to union’s capacity exist due to low union membership density and high workloads.

Keywords: electronic surveillance, labor unions, collective bargaining, workers’ rights