Broadmead Care Society - Staff Schedule Care (SSC)

The BCGEU is aware that the Lodge at Broadmead has announced the implementation of the Staff Schedule Care (SSC) timekeeping system, which will entail the use of an electronic finger imaging device.

The Union acknowledges that a number of members have raised concerns regarding the use of biometric identification.

We have researched the use of similar biometric technology in Canada, and we want to advise you that the introduction of this technology has been the subject of several arbitration awards. In particular, in Agropur, Division Natrel v. Teamsters, Local Union 647 (2008), the Arbitrator found that the infringement that similar technology imposed on the privacy of employees was “extremely small, almost negligible…Employees do not provide a fingerprint, nor can the scan that is provided be reconstructed into a fingerprint…The template that is retained for verification of identity when the employee clocks in is in a form that is virtually useless to anyone on its own.” 

Ultimately, the Arbitrator concluded that the biometric timekeeping system constituted a minor infringement of privacy that was outweighed by the employer’s justification for introducing the system.

You may obtain a full copy of the arbitration award from your shop steward.

We assure you that we will continue to monitor any and all developments as the SSC system is introduced.

In solidarity

Susanne Francoeur, Chairperson, Local 201
Jenny Ewing, Staff Representative

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