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In California, how can I legally go around the new cell phone policy at my workplace?

I work at in the collections department of a title loan company. Today we were given this memo that we must sign: "All hourly employees on the first floor are not authorized to use cellphones for any reason other than for emergency situations. In case of an emergency situation, you must have authorization from management to use your cellphones" (no space between the two words). "When given authorization you must leave the floor to use your cellphone. Only personnel that conduct business via mobile devices are permitted to use these devices on the floor." Not only is the fact that they cannot even spell "cell phone" correctly" diminish my respect for this order, but it's difficult to believe the facade of seriousness and professionalism when the work culture is so ghetto that they play sexually explicit reggeaton and hip hop very loud in the office. I am not against music played low at one's desk, but sometimes it sounds like a party in there, and the managers themselves do it. This will not be forbidden; but cell phones will. Now, forbidding a cell phone completely and demanding that one ask permission in an emergency sounds too elementary school to me. We are required to sign this paper and turn it in to our manager. I do not want to sign it because I do not agree. I have everything in my cell phone: calendar, notepad, schedule, to-do list, everything. And yes, I occassionally indulge in a text or two when I need a breather. I think at my age, I am old enough to know when I need a breather and do so responsibly as a way to recharge one's battery and continue work. Yet, this rule feels so much like elementary school.

Public Comments

1. The easiest way around it is to tell your boss that you value your cell phone more than you value his rules, and as a result, you quit.
2. Actually, "cellphone" is one accepted spelling. A company can make their own policies.
3. feel free to find a new job then. They can set any type of rule, you can sign or not, they can fire you............how hard is that to grasp. Just as an aside, if you are caught on the floor with a cell phone where I work it is either a write up for the 1st time...2nd time instant dismissal, so go figure they actually want you to work and NOT be on your cell phone when they are paying you..........
4. They wouldn't make this rule if it wasn't already a problem in the workplace. Maybe you should consent to the new rule, and if it's that big of an issue for you, start looking for a new job. It really isn't a big deal, you can use your phone on your breaks. Most work places don't allow you to use you cell phone all day.
5. You have a choice, you can continue to work at this place or you can play with your cell phone or cellphone whenever you want. The employer has a right to set a policy, and if you "go around" it, you will find yourself disciplined or fired for it. You don't have a legal right to use a cell during working hours. The company is being reasonable in allowing use during working hours. In fact, back before there were cell phones, most companies had policies against personal telephone calls during working hours, except for emergencies, for the lower ranks of employees. You have to decide which is more important to you. However, most companies aren't going to let you play with your cell when they're paying for your time.
6. Man up and do what you are told. Your job requires you to be working, not playing on your cell phone. You also gave a list of things on your cell phone that can wait until your lunch hour or after work. If you cannot yield on such a trivial little thing, then you are going to be looking for a job the rest of your life.
7. If you wish to maintain employment at that company abide by the policy - simple as that. You have no legal entitlement to a cell phone on company property. You can certainly leave your cell phone off and stowed away or in your car and indulge in your text messages on your company allocated breaks. The company is paying you to perform a job, not text message and take personal calls.
8. It doesn't matter which state you are in! What matters is your company's policy on cell phone usage. Technically that means to be speaking on the telephone, does it not? The company doesn't care what applications you have stored in your phone or how much you depend upon the information it provides you with during your work day. Before you sign the order...and you will sign it, clarify the situation with your manager. Be good enough and fair enough to discuss the additional uses of the cell phone as they apply to your work and listen to what he/she has to say. You cannot buttress your case by pointing out a simple typo or spelling error. You also have several errors in the question you've written above! It may be too "elementary school" to you but you can bet it was the actions of employees that drove them to this order. Are you willing to lose your job, especially in today's marketplace, for protesting or not signing off on this order? At your age, you should know better!
9. You have two choices: 1. violate policy and run the risk of termination if caught. 2. use your cell phone on your lunch break. Since they don't want you using it in the building, you will probably need to plan going out to your car at lunch. This policy was put in place because some one abused the privilege of using their cell phones at work. As a result, this policy was put in place. Their spelling of "cell phone" does not change the force of the order. It does not matter if you respect them or not. If you want to keep your job - you follow the order. Period. If you don't mind losing your job and being fired for cause, by all means violate the policy and take your medicine when caught.
10. If you don't like their policy regarding cellphones (and that's an accepted way of referring to a cellular phone), then you can hand in your resignation. They're entitled to have whatever cellphone policy they want. With regards to the emergency calls, they may not in any way shape or form prevent or discourage you from calling 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. You do not need their permission to call 9-1-1. Lots of businesses that deal with loans and identity information will restrict the use of cell phones or any other method that could allow their employees to copy or relay any personally identifiable information to someone involved in identity theft as it would leave them liable for the resulting damages and a mongo fine from the government. If they are playing music with sexually explicit lyrics, that could be cause for a sexual harassment complaint. edit: What you may want to do is right up an alternate policy memo and provide it to them with the recommendation to use it instead of the one they came up with.
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