City employees sign confidentiality agreements

March 08, 2010

City of Belen employees have in recent years signed confidentiality agreements to protect the privacy of their fellow employees and citizens, but the agreements also leave open the possibility of punishment for disclosing information that’s not necessarily sensitive.

For example, city employees haven’t been allowed to publicly disclose information about the financial condition of their departments, according to a sample agreement obtained by Councilor Jerah R. Cordova.

The agreements also protect information in workers’ compensation claims and medical records.

The list of “confidential information” that shouldn’t be disclosed is accompanied by vague language that curtails employees’ ability to speak to the public, such phrases as “is in no way limited to” and “other related information.”

“Confidential information is not to be discussed outside of City of Belen offices for any reason or with co-workers, except in a required job-related situation,” the agreements read.

According to the agreements, a violation could result in disciplinary action, including termination.

Posted in: Reform