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BCGEU Online and Social Media Privacy Policy

Online & Social Media Privacy Policy

Our Online & Social Media Privacy Policy ("Online Policy") applies to the use of websites and social media operated by the BC Government and Service Employees' Union ("BCGEU"). See our BCGEU Members' Personal Information Operational Policy ("Operational Policy") for more information about our personal information practices.

Scope

This Online Policy describes the information we collect via BCGEU-operated websites, electronic communications (eBulletins, blogs and member discussion forums) and social media, and how we collect and use that information.

Personal Information

Personal information is recorded information about an identifiable individual. Personal information includes things such as an individual's name, address, birth date, e-mail address, phone number, and IP address.

Collection of Personal Information

Members' personal information may be collected, used or disclosed for any of the identified purposes set in the Operational Policy.

Personal information of individuals accessing BCGEU-operated websites, electronic communication and social media may be collected automatically, or directly from the individual.

If members' personal information is needed for any purpose other than those set out in the Operational Policy, the BCGEU will not use or disclose it without obtaining additional consent from the member(s).

Information collected automatically

When individuals visit BCGEU-operated website to browse, read pages, or download information, we collect and retain certain information about the visit. The BCGEU uses analytics software, including Google Analytics, a third party service, to analyze non-identifiable web traffic data for the purpose of assessing system performance, website management, and improving the web services we provide. The following information is automatically collected and stored:

  • The Internet Protocol Address (IP address) and domain name used. The IP address is a numerical identifier assigned either to your Internet service provider or directly to your computer. This address can be translated to determine the domain name of your service provider (e.g. xcompany.com or yourschool.edu);
  • The type of browser and operating system;
  • employers, with respect to dues submissions;
  • The date and time of the visit; and
  • The web pages or services accessed.

The BCGEU stores the data that is generated on a secure server. BCGEU does not use this data to determine your identity unless required to do so as part of an internal investigation or other law enforcement purpose.

Cookies

A cookie is a small file stored on your computer by your web browser when using some internet sites. Cookies can also store personal information such as your name, e-mail address, home or work address, or telephone number.

Persistent cookies may use this type of personal information to identify you whenever you access a website. Sessional cookies are used to help you move around our web site and do not store personal information. Sessional cookies are valid only during the time you are actually using the website.

The BCGEU uses persistent cookies (which may store personal information) but also uses sessional cookies (which do not store personal information).

Information collected directly from individuals

Personal information may be collected directly from individuals who consent or voluntarily provide information in order to use specific online services. Personal information may be collected and stored in following circumstances:

  • When an individual requests a response from the union;
  • When an individual provides information for a specific purpose (ie. posts a comment, supports a campaign, signs an online petition, etc)
Use of Personal Information

The personal information collected from BCGEU-operated websites, electronic communication and social media will only be used by authorized staff to fulfill the purpose for which the information was originally collected, or for a use consistent with that purpose.

The BCGEU will not use an individual's personal information for another purpose without consent. We do not disclose an individual's information except as authorized by the Act.

All unsubscribe or opt-out requests will be processed promptly, through automatic means or emails to [email protected]

If you believe that your personal information is being used for a purpose other than what was intended please direct your inquiries to the privacy officer at [email protected]

What safeguards are in place?

The BCGEU is obligated to protect personal information by making reasonable security arrangements against such risks as unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure or disposal. As part of BCGEU's commitment to the protection of personal information, security measures have been integrated into the design, implementation and day-to-day operating practices of BCGEU-operated websites, electronic communications and social media.

Access and correction of information submitted online

Please contact our privacy officer at [email protected] to obtain access to, or make a correction to, information that you have submitted via BCGEU operated websites, electronic communication and social media.

Links to other sites

Visitors should be aware that BCGEU websites include links to websites operated by other agencies, non-profit organizations and private businesses. When you link to another site, BCGEU's Online Policy and Operational Policy will not apply. The BCGEU is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites Individuals may, however, be subject to the privacy policies of the external website or its organization.

The BCGEU also utilizes social media accounts which are public, third-party social media providers. Personal information that individuals provide to social media is not hosted by BCGEU. We recommend that users of social media familiarize themselves with the social media provider’s terms of service and privacy policies.

BCGEU's Use of Social Media

BCGEU social media accounts are managed by the union's Research, Campaigns and Communications department.

Content

Through social media, the union provides information about the activities of the BCGEU, as well as recent developments on issues of concern and interest to our membership. Our social media content includes:

  • news releases, media stories, speeches, statements, notices and other publications issued by the BCGEU;
  • links to information and articles about issues of concern and interest to our membership in B.C. and other jurisdictions; and
  • event information and photographs.
Blogs and Discussion Forums

Our blog and online discussion forum is managed by communications staff on behalf of the BCGEU. We moderate the blog and discussion forum. We reserve the right to delete comments off the forum or not publish blog comments.

We update and moderate our blog and discussion forum on weekdays during office hours (8:30am to 4:30pm), but we may monitor and respond at other times of the day. We read all comments and respond when required.

Comments that violate our blog comment policy or forum terms of use will be deleted.

See below for more information about our blog and commenting policies.

Blog Content

Similar to BCGEU's use of social media, our blog communicates key activities of the union, and issues of interest and concern to our membership. The discussion forum is an online and interactive resource for members to communicate with each other on a broad range of labour relations issues. Research and other pertinent information is posted as needed.

Commenting

If you wish to comment on one of our blog posts, join a conversation and post to our discussion forum, you will be asked to provide the BCGEU with:

  • your name;
  • your email address; and
  • your comment.

We collect your e-mail address in the event we need to contact you about your comment and, in the case of the discussion forum, to confirm your identity. Your e-mail will not be made public or used for any other purpose. Access to the personal information you provide when you submit your comment is limited to the communications staff who maintain the blog. Should your comment be approved for posting, your name will appear alongside your comment. To protect your own privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include personal information such as phone numbers or email addresses in the body of your comment. Personal information contained in the BCGEU’s blog comments and discussion forum posts is stored on a secure server.

Blog comments are moderated by BCGEU communications staff. If your comment is not approved for posting, your information will be deleted.

Comments that are offensive, rude or abusive will not be posted. We discourage the use of web links in comments because they present a risk of inappropriate or unwanted material, spam, and malware. We reserve the right to delete comments that fail to meet this community standard.

Please note that blog comments do not necessarily represent the views of the BCGEU.

Contact us at [email protected] should you wish to ask us to remove your information from our blog.

Questions and comments

If you have questions or comments about our Online Policy, or the BCGEU's use of online communication tools, please contact [email protected]