Technically, we didn't say the power would go out. Just burned through(or in some situations cut through) the lines. Maybe the wires were burned and the company has back-up generators, still wouldn't fix the wires...

 

Not if they were dumb enough to throw it on generator or UPS backup.

 

Well I should say "I" didn't say the power would go out.

 

Ford12508 did... which is who i quoted with my response.

 

refer to post above you.

 

Safety concerns, power outages and generators aside depending on how far you want to push it your employer could be in a lot of trouble. From the link you posted:

...In addition, it is unlawful for any person to willfully or maliciously interfere with the radio communications of any station licensed or authorized under the Act or operated by the U.S. Government...

Parties violating the provisions of the Communications Act and/or FCC rules mentioned above may be subject to the penalties set forth in 47 USC §§ 501-510. Monetary forfeitures for a first offense can be as much as $11,000 a day for each violation and could subject the offender to criminal prosecution.

A cell phone is considered to be a licensed transmitter using frequencies rented from the government. Blocking the use of these unless you have FCC approval is a violation. They could be fined as much as $11,000 per day per phone that has been jammed. Bringing this level of heat on the boss could make things very rough if you are found to be the narc. On the other hand, many times you get a reward for being the narc...

If you do choose to do something I would be careful and stay anonymous.

 

I smell a lawsuit

 

I say email the fcc and the phone company and write them or call them every single day until it is checked out. I hate when people in authority positions abuse their power, and them screwing you to enforce their 'rule' is abuse of their position.

 

The employer has a clearly established no cell phones policy.

Don't like it? Put your money where your mouth is and walk out. That'll show 'em.

Don't want to quit? Try and get the policy changed.

Can't get the policy changed? You can still quit. Or you could just choose to live within your employer's rules.

IMO, calling in the government to fine your employer because they are trying to prevent time wasting by some employees is a bad idea.

 

definately contact the FCC and your cell phone provider.

Whats next? Take away the bathrooms because people are taking too mant potty breaks?

 

Too much victim mentality. Leave your cell phone in the car and get to work or you're fired.
No jammer needed.

 

I can see both sides of the argument, however I don't think they should jam the entire building. I'm all for slapping some wrists if caught texting, on facebook, etc on your phone during work hours.

Even if it was illegal, I can hear my boss's reaction to me questioning it or him....

" I don't f#cking care what the f*cking law says. Now get to work!"

 

Very doubtful the employer would go to this much trouble if they were not having problems with employees over-using their cell phones at work.

I'll bet the employer got a legal opinion from their attorney before they bought the jammers.

If you have an emergency call to make or receive, use a land line.

If that prospect is too horrible, like I said, you can always quit.

 

its because texting has become the new social disease and people can't stay off their frikkin phones.

Go to work, leave your toys in your vehicle and quit your crying.
"oh, they stopped me from using my phone, waaaaa, I want my daddy!"

You're paid to do a job not yap and text all day, suck it up buttercups.
Looks good on them, I wish more work places would do that.

 

I have a question for those who believe it is acceptable for an employer to violate federal law, when it is ok and when is it not?

If there is a problem with personal electronics use in the company it should be addressed by the company to the employees. Company policy and lack of enforcement does not over rule federal laws. Interfering with cell phone signals is a violation of the law and subject to prosecution.