Info Tech

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Published on Monday, 30 June, 2008

The introduction of new GPS technology into the workplace has serious implications across many industries. Recently a number of vehicles in the Canon fleet of technician cars have had the technology installed under the pretext of risk management and or the purposes of monitoring car usage for FBT. The use of this technology is viewed with some concern by your union.

There are significant concerns about GPS
• Invasion of privacy
• Monitoring of personal car use
• Agreement as to when it is switched on or off.
• Possible use of GPS as a performance management tool

The ASU opposes the unilateral decision by employers to introduce new technology into the workplace without consultation and agreement from employees.

Increased surveillance of workers raises the potential of that surveillance data to be used in disciplinary or performance management processes. GPS surveillance provides employers with detailed data about a workers precise location over time. This information could be used as part of a disciplinary process if any discrepancies are found between a workers stated location and their location according to GPS. It could also be used as part of performance management processes if an employer has concerns about the productivity of an employee.

Your union also believes that reasonable boundaries around workers’ privacy must be respected and observed by employers. Where workers have personal use of their work vehicles, that personal use should be free from surveillance by employers. This erosion of personal freedom must be challenged by all workers.

In the case of our members at Canon the ASU has sought clarification about the company’s intended use of these devices and agreement that the data will not be used for performance management or disciplinary proceedings. The ASU will be watching carefully to see if this technology is to spread industry wide.