The Workers’ Statute (ET) collects the main rights and obligations of employers and workers that carry out their activity in Spain, and it is mandatory for both parties. Although it is not the only document that regulates labor relations, its follow-up is very important and the different actors accept it.
One of the precepts included in this statute is the right of employers to register «lockers or private effects (bags, backpacks, work table, etc.)» of your employees. But, for what?
Obviously, this is not an illogical measure applicable to any situation. The ET indicates that it can be performed when necessary to “the protection of business assets and other workers of the company”. Let’s imagine that, in an office, important things start to go missing: mobile phones, keys, personal belongings of colleagues… and someone inside is suspected.
Well, the employer can order the registry of personal belongings of its employees, in general, to check who the thief is or someone in particular, about whom you have suspicions. But this right is not applied without control, it always has to be done «with the utmost respect for the privacy and dignity of workers”. In other words, someone of the same sex must do it, in a place away from the rest of the workers, and with discretion.
In addition, the “reviewed” worker must be accompanied of a legal representative or other colleagues. And the registration must be done during working hours and at the workplace.
So, you know, if one day it happens to you, know that your boss has every right, as long as these last guarantees are met.
