[danielrhodes]

I know what you describe is how it has been at some companies, but that is not how I think it ought to be. While I am at work, it is my opinion that I am not only owed privacy, I think it should be the default expectation (except for exceptional legal circumstances, of course). I would be hesitant to work at any place which does not share my values regarding these types of things, simply because it demonstrates a lack of trust and lack of autonomy within the organization.

Also legally speaking, a company is not allowed to listen in on/record phone calls I make on a company phone and I doubt they are allowed to open snail mail addressed to me. Thus my expectations of privacy is not something inconsistent with the status quo.

[mrjatx]

Your last point is completely untrue. I've programmed Asterisk systems for large call centers that specifically had supervisor modes where the supervisor could monitor calls to make sure employees were keeping customer service up to par. If this had been illegal the state Workforce Commission would have had a field day each time an unfair termination case came up.

I'm going to assume that's purely state based, but it definitely is legal in some jurisdictions. I'd imagine moreso than not.

I agree that I don't want to work somewhere where you're monitored. I think we'll all agree to that.

But I've actually saved someones skin before by providing logs when a sexual harassment lawsuit came up and an employee was fired unjustly (manager fired them, but his advances were blatant in the logs).

It protects the employee if you use the communications properly.

[MichaelGG]

Wiretap laws vary state-by-state, but most require at least one party to consent to a wiretap. Some require both parties to consent, which means turning on call recording is a felony in some states, unless both parties are aware. (Which is probably why every call center starts with "This call may be recorded...").

[freehunter]

You consented in your employment contract.