In August 2008, Community Protection management installed finger print recognition machines in some workplaces without consultation. Since then, Westminster UNISON has campaigned against the big brother proposals which are believed to be based on mistrust of staff, and a disproportionate way of keeping records of working time.
Following national media coverage, Westminster UNISON Branch Secretary Phil Vaughan met with Mike More to explain why the union opposed the policy, and that UNISON members would be refusing to provide their finger prints. Phil Vaughan said:
"I had a very positive meeting with Mike More about the proposals to finger print staff. Although he clearly supported his managers, he was also concerned about the wider impact on employee relations. We are obviously very pleased with this decision, and are now keen to engage with local managers on other ways in which time monitoring can be done without biometric technology."
In his letter dated 31st October 2008, Mike More said that Community Protection management "will remove the machinery from current locations" and "will not pursue the use of machines in the Community Protection service in the foreseeable future."
Westminster UNISON's role as the largest trade union in the Council and its contractors ensures our place at the negotiating table. Whether backing you up at work or weighing in on a local policy issue, UNISON draws its strength from its numbers.
