The employer cannot continuously keep his employees under surveillance without reasonable grounds

Release date: August 1st, 2012

The union challenges the employer’s decision to install 2 cameras in the workplace, as it amounts to unjust and unreasonable working conditions in the meaning of the Charter. The employer alleges that he wants to protect his new machines, detect mechanical failures and ensure that operations are carried out without impediment. According to the arbitrator, the reasons brought forward by the employer are not serious enough to justify full-time surveillance of a group of employees. The employer is not dealing with issues of theft, vandalism or equipment sabotage, and there is nothing to indicate that mechanical breakdowns are frequent. The fact that the employer has no intention to use the cameras for disciplinary purposes has no bearing on the matter, since it is the very existence of the video recording that is incompatible with the objectives of the Charter. The grievance is upheld. United Steelworkers, Local 7885 v. Fabrimet Inc. (union grievance), DTE 2010T-769 (T.A.) Me Denis Nadeau.


From bulletin Gestion Plus
To suscribe, click here!

Back to the list
To the exclusive service of employers

To the exclusive service of employers, Le Corre offers training workshops and publications on subjects solely pertaining to labour law. Both these tools help managers and human resources professionals to deal more effectively with the daily legal framework of their businesses.

Laval

450 973-4020

Toll free

1 877 218-4020

Fax

450 973-4010
By email