Is there a law against employers checking your purse before you leave work?

At my job, it is required that a manager check your purse before you leave the store. After work and before you leave to go to lunch.. They do this to make sure that the employees aren't stealing, though everything in the store has a censor tag.

It's uncomfortable because sometimes they will reach into people's purses and go through things, even pull out your make-up bag and open it up, open up every zipper and compartment until they are satisfied. Even if you bought something from another store or fast food place, they will check through your bags and items. They refuse to let you go home or walk out the door unless they look through your bag at the door.

Is there a law against this? A labor law perhaps? Are jobs allowed to do this?
Additional Details
There was nothing signed or agreed to. I've been through all of the employee handbooks and such.

They claim that we signed something allowing them to do this, but whenever someone asks to see the signed paperwork, the managers refuse.

Pluse, they still check your wallet and walk you to the door to check you, even if you don't have anything on you.

Lil' Baby Sweetcheeks

I would quit my job before I allowed myself to be degraded as such. A civilian conducting a search without probable cause?? Refusal to let you see a document that they allege you signed waiving your constitutional right to illegal search and seizure? What sort of high horse do these retailers think they are on?
Haccchhh...Sthputttt...that's me horkin' in the face of all retailers and retail managers who conduct illegal searches!!

I-Like-Chicha&Ceviche

There is no law against this.

If you don't feel comfortable leave your purse in your car trunk or just carry your cellphone and wallet in your jacket pockets

I don't believe it is against the law... but I would have a real problem working for a place that had that little of trust in me. If they hired me then there should be some trust. I'd be looking for another job.

sirriablack

I had a job like that! We were making sport card like baseball & football cards I donâ€™t know if they were valuable but we had to get our bags and pocket empty. I just stop wearing clothes with pockets I would I would leave my purse in the car trunk.

Sufi

jobs are allowed to do this. it's usually a condition of employment, you may have signed something about this. they can videotape you and they can monitor your computer stuff. you have no expectaton of privacy when employed, except perhaps in the bathroom. my guess is that they have had problems with employees stealing or they know there is stealing but don't know who's doing it. or they are maybe just trying to deter it. my recommendation is that you open your own store and don't inspect employees' bags. that way you can make the world more like you want it.

Iknowalittle

Yes it is legal. If it is company policy. You agreed to this when you took the job.
.Certain precautions may be made by an employer to prevent theft. Including searching a handbag.
Be glad it's just your purse they are searching.

It is mandatory to change into jumpsuits, and issued shoes, then to remove them after your shift at the Federal mint. This prevents workers from walking out with gold ,and silver dust.

I would only take what I needed to work. No make up kit or anything, just ID and a little money for lunch a cell phone, and your keys. If you can carry them in your pocket there is nothing to search.

sassy2

In the 1960s working retail all female employees were given a see through bag for our personal belongings. That is what we brought into work. So bag checking in retail has gone on forever.

cspanny

you must work for Gap or Banana Republic....the first time they did this i was shocked and offended, but got used to it

mailaccount63

Only take in your bare necessities - don't take in anything else.

There is no law against this, but I would look for another job - one where the employer isn't so paranoid.

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