Is Your Boss Watching You? CCTV Monitoring is Now Workplace Harassment

In a groundbreaking decision, the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has ruled that using CCTV to constantly watch and monitor employees is a form of workplace harassment. This is a big step for employee rights in Paki

The case was brought forward by a female employee of a private school in Rawalpindi. She said that she was constantly watched through CCTV. She even received CCTV photos of herself, which made her feel intimidated and unsafe at work.

After looking at all the evidence, the ombudsperson, Fauzia Viquar, agreed that the CCTV was used to scare and control her. This kind of monitoring was found to be unfair and created a hostile environment for the employee.

The ombudsperson made it clear that this kind of behavior is harassment. As a result of the ruling, the school's CEO was ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 50,000 to the victim. The ombudsperson also officially criticized the CEO for his actions.

The school was also told to make some important changes, including:

• Creating an inquiry committee to handle future complaints.

• Displaying a code of conduct in both English and Urdu for everyone to see.
  

This ruling sends a strong message that harassment is not just about physical or verbal advances. It also includes anything that disrespects an employee's dignity, privacy, or makes them feel scared.

This decision proves that CCTV cameras should not be used as a weapon to control or target employees. Every person has the right to privacy and dignity at work.