In a postal transformation that would not be out of place in a George Orwell novel, Canada Post has announced that the new Pacific Processing Center (PPC) will be outfitted with 511 security cameras.
This disturbing announcement took place at a union-management consultation held on August 28, 2013.
Possibly in emulation of a gulag, Canada Post will implement its multi-pronged surveillance initiative in three waves:
“Guardview”: Canada Post has advised that 97 security cameras will be installed and monitored by corporate security guards in order to monitor the ingress/egress of employees and protect the perimeter of the PPC against possible invasion.
“Crime Prevention”: Canada Post has advised that 323 security cameras will be installed in strategic work areas. The cameras will provide continuous surveillance in thirty-day loops and will be accessible to Security and Investigation staff for review upon request.
In the future state, all employees will be treated as potential thieves. PPC employees can be assured that they will be subject to continuous surveillance as there will be twice as many security cameras than employees per shift.
“Operations”: Canada Post advised that 91 security cameras will be used to monitor conveyer belts and mechanized processing equipment. The cameras will interface with a monitoring system staffed by Operations Control specialists in a centralized overhead guardhouse.
According to Canada Post, Operations Control staff will use the surveillance equipment to identify “jams”. Canada Post claimed that there are no current plans to use the surveillance equipment to monitor work performance or washroom breaks.
Despite the Union’s strenuous objections, Canada Post has indicated that it plans to move forward with its surveillance initiative.
Question: Will the PPC facility have more security cameras than California’s San Quentin prison?
National Policy Grievance N00-12-00003
CUPW continues to renew the Cease and Desist order that was granted by Arbitrator Ken Swan in respect of National Policy Grievance N00-12-00003. The Union’s policy grievance was filed on April 11, 2013 in response to Canada Post’s plans to subject CUPW members to a security-screening process that would require criminal record checks, credit checks and finger-printing under threat of suspension and/or discharge. It is unknown if managers and directors will be required to comply with this program.
A hearing on the merits has yet to be scheduled. Until such a time as the grievance is settled, Canada Post is legally prevented from moving forward with its plans.
In solidarity,
Ken Mooney
Regional Grievance Officer
cope 225
August 29, 2013