The Constitution does not apply to the workplace. In the 18th Century, when the Bill of Rights was adopted, only the government was seen as a major threat to individual rights. Today, many if not most Americans are more vulnerable to violations of their rights by employers than early Americans were by the government. Private sector employees that are not unionized can be fired for any reason, without due process. They can be compelled to submit to urine drug tests on pain of losing their job. They can be punished for their political views. They can be subjected to secret computer, video and telephone monitoring.

People should not have to give up their rights to fair treatment -- guaranteed them by the Bill of Rights -- when they walk through the plant or office door. Employees are not pieces of equipment. Treating them with dignity and fairness is not inconsistent with good, competitive, management.

In today's fast-paced, highly competitive economy, many corporations and some public agencies are experimenting with new technologies and management practices that pose a serious threat to employees' rights. Electronic monitoring and discrimination based on genetic test information are two examples of such practices. Both private sector and public sector employees need additional protection from abuses of new technologies.

The ACLU is working to educate the public about the need to better protect employees' rights, and to advocate for improved rights and protections. Use the resources on this page to learn more and take action to protect the rights guaranteed to all Americans by the Bill of Rights. Our latest news releases are listed to the left; actions you can take now are listed to the right, along with additional resources. The most recent workplace rights features are included directly below.