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Can you tape a meeting between an employee and Manager in Human Resources in Minnesota? If yes, can you tape the conversation even though Human resources requests that you do not? Mary
Optional Information: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mary,
I could use a little more information:
1. Could you describe the meeting? Who is in attendance?
2. Has HR actually stated that you cannot record? Is that a policy company wide, or just directed at you?
Thanks,
Len
Len -
I am a non-union employee at a not-for- profit hospital. I work in an inpatient pharmacy That services inpatients only. We also have three other hospitals in our network.
I had previously filed a whistle-blower lawsuit alleging Medicare A and B fraud against My employer. Subsequently, my case was dismissed by the government for lacking Resources to investigate. Anyway, it was not pursued any further in legal terms.
I had many encounters with my Manager and the Human Resource department. The meetings were pursued by my Manager regarding complaints I had made and some made about me.
I feel I am being treated unfairly by her and the hospital. I send letters regarding this via certified mail into my personnel file. It always ends up, according to them that, I am the one that is out of line. I feel the only reason I am summoned to the Human Resources office is for them to intimidate me and not do work on any solutions to the problem(s).
I have requested several times to have a witness to our conversations present or if I could tape our conversations. I was told that because I was a non-union employee I do not have a right to be represented outside of their office. Then I was told that it was not
company practice to tape. I asked if they had any policies regarding this and I was told "no".
Can I secretly tape them? As time goes further, HR realizes that I am creating a paper trail from the time I reported them to(almost three years ago) the government until today.
They seem to be cooling off on the visits to HR, although, now I am not informed ahead of time of our meetings. Most of the subjects of the meetings are something
that I feel could be worked out between me and my Manager at the department level. I told HR and my manager that I do not trust either one of them anymore!
With the economy the way it is I do not want to make waves if I can avoid it. But I want proof of what is said between us, for my protection.
Any advise would be helpful. Thank you.
Mary from Minnesota.
I appreciate the additional information. It helps.
Minnesota is a "one party" state. This means that only one party to the conversation has to give permission for the recording to be done. So, yes, as long as you are an actual participant to the conversation, you can record. No, you do not have to tell anyone that you are recording.
I do hope you are going to seek the services of a local employment lawyer, because it sounds as though your troubles with this company are not going to stop anytime soon. A good employment lawyer can help guide you along without making their presence known.
Take Care.
Please press accept and leave some feedback when you get a chance.
Experience: 15 years experience in employment and criminal Law.
Len-
I would like to look up case histories regarding "one-party" state. Or look up the Minnesota Statute if there is one. I am not sure what to look up and what all of this law applies too.
I can go to look stuff at my local law library. Please get me started. Thank you. Mary
Sorry about the delay....A very thorough reply!