To: Mollie Jones, GLS Operations Mgr. March 15, 2006
From: Paul Schneider, UTU Chairman
Re: Bus Cameras
At our latest union meeting, the issue of installing cameras in the buses generated some discussion. I wish to clarify my interpretation of our earlier conversations.
On August 20, 2005, I got your letter stating that GLS received a Bus Security grant from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security to equip coaches with Global Positioning Satellite Technology and Emergency Monitoring equipment. You indicated that the primary benefit was, in the event of an emergency, to record audio/visual data from inside and outside of the coach. You went on to say that it was your hope that this will assist GLS in its attempts to defend our company and our drivers from false accusations of injuries.
We recognize that the issue of security is of great importance not only to the company, but to the drivers as well. We hope that is the primary motivation behind the installation of these cameras.
One of our concerns is that these devices could be misused by certain individuals. The cameras could be used for possible driver surveillance, resulting in disciplinary actions. I certainly hope that is not the intended purpose.
Questions raised at the union meeting include:
-Are the cameras for the driver’s benefit or the company’s benefit?
-Could the company re-post information on the functions of the system?
-Many drivers would like specifications and functions outlined, including usage of the “panic button.”
-The positioning of the camera and the areas under surveillance should be identified.
-Do the buses with cameras installed have signs indicating “video surveillance?”
I realize some information was distributed a while back regarding the camera in 1106. It would be very beneficial to have this information available to the drivers, again. Perhaps a posting on the bulletin board would serve as a good reference for all of us.
We hope it is to everyone’s benefit that these cameras are installed. I believe we are all in agreement that safety and security are primary concerns for everyone. I trust that no one in management will be tempted to use this technology for “spying” on the drivers. Let us use these cameras in positive ways to protect the company from lawsuits and improve the working conditions for all of us out there on the road!
Cc: