Is attempting to coerce an employee to admit to a theft they didn't commit, illegal or a violation of rights

I got a call from the loss prevention department of my employer, stating that they had hidden digital video cameras in my store, and that I had been recorded stealing numerous items over the time I had been there. I was called a liar repeatedly, accused of lying about my previous employers, criminal record, and on my application. Overall, my integrity as a human being was being put in question.

I have a medically diagnosed anxiety disorder, and I feel like I may have incriminated myself by acting nervous on the phone. I was told immediatly that the whole thing was going to be recorded, and that I should tell my coworkers that it was "about a payroll discrepency" if they asked what it was about. I was told if I discussed the matter with anyone I would be fired for subordination.

I don't lie about anything,I'm not going to tell my coworkers that.I feel like the company has degraded me by the way they handled the situation.

Is there any kind of action I can take in this situation

Consult with an employment law attorney as soon as possible. If you are not guilty of any of these charges, you are going to need the services of an attorney. In addition, do not consent to a polygraph test or speak to management w/o being represented. These strong arm tactics by your company are disgusting.

there are free workers rights programs all over the country.......

try this

http://www.nolo.com/resource.cfm/catID/4...

i hope u belong to a union if not call the labor commision in your state and file a complaint

Definitely get a lawyer and let them do the talking for you. I would not lie for them because they may be setting you up (and like you, I don't deliberately lie about things). Let your lawyer get copies of the tapes in question so you can have copies of them for your own records and so you can view them. Don't sign anything with the company and if anyone else calls you, tell them you won't discuss any of the issues without your lawyer present. And above all, document everything down to conversations with everyone including your lawyer, just so you know step-by-step what you have done. In time, things could get muddled so keep it at your fingertips for future reference. Good luck. Sure hope it all works out for you.

if you didnt steal anything you have nothing to worry about. tell them to show you the tapes and bring it to the court systems if they try to fire you. what the hell would you want to work for a company like that anyway. get them in trouble if they're giving you trouble. youve got nothing to lose really.

If it was done over the phone I would highly dobut it was legit. I don't know of an employer that would do this over the phone. Also if this was real they would have had you arrested, and there would be no "say it was a payroll problem", etc.

Bottom line I dobut that this is a legit incident, but if it is and they have recordings of it then there is nothing illegal about them pressuring you to make a confession. They can do better at that then the police, since the police would have to read you your rights since as the government the police would have to follow those rights unlike the business that doesn't have to allow you to not incriminate yourself.