Public Employee Press

Beware of your electronic trail

A serious issue confronts DC 37 members as employees of city agencies: the temptation to use agency computers and to access the Internet for personal business and entertainment.

Every agency, mayoral and nonmayoral, has a policy in place regarding this, and all have one thing in common: They each forbid the use of computers for personal business. This includes sending and receiving e-mails from friends or family members, exchanging jokes or prayers, or pornography. It all comes under the heading of unauthorized use of computers and the Internet. Disregarding these agency policies can result in discipline, ranging from warnings placed in personnel files to hearings at 40 Rector St. to termination.

“It’s become common for people to be brought up on disciplinary charges for unauthorized use of computers,” said Phyllis Streeter, a grievance rep for the clerical division. Recently, Streeter represented two Local 1549 members on these charges. “People have become relaxed about it, especially when they receive messages from outside their agency,” Streeter said. But, as she explained, many agencies include a standard warning that appears on the screen as soon as the computer is turned on.

For example, this is the case at the Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene. But, because it is commonplace, employees get into the bad habit of ignoring it — at their peril.

Members of locals 371, 983, 1549, 2627 and others have experienced the dread of having to face the consequences of these actions.

Whether you are an employee with longevity — one who is looking forward to imminent retirement — or a new employee just starting to reap the benefits of a civil service job, be aware and be forewarned: The use of computers at city agencies for your own purposes, whether innocent or not, is unauthorized. It can lead directly to a new life — out on the unemployment line.