Consult unions on GPS tracking, Prince Albert council tells officials

Managers for the City of Prince Albert have been told to consult with their unions before asking council to approve a plan to track workers using GPS.

Prince Albert officials had sent a policy proposal to council Monday, which would have authorised the city to use GPS-equipped devices to monitor the workplace.

The policy would have allowed officials to use the technology, in secret, if managers believed they had "strong evidence of serious misconduct" by employees.

Otherwise, the workers would be told that their movements may be monitored and that could lead to changes in how work is done.

On Monday, however, city council members voted to send the proposal back to managers for more development.

Specifically, officials have been told to inform unions of the plan and get their feedback.

City officials were also chastised for telling council there had already been discussions about the policy with unions.

"In order for me to make a fair decision for everyone concerned ... the human resource person kind of needs to inform us properly," Charlene Miller, one council member said. "Tell us fact, not fiction."

The proposal will return to city council, once discussions with unions have taken place.

Miller added she will follow up with Prince Albert's top administrator about the information that was provided to council regarding union consultations.

According to a report supplied to council members, the proposed policy had been shared with two Prince Albert unions which represent city workers.

The report said the unions "are fully aware of the purpose and contents of the proposed policy and no concerns have been expressed."

Miller said her research revealed that wasn't the case.

"I'm going to go and see the city manager tomorrow and talk to him," Miller said Monday night. "It is against the Cities Act to mislead council and so further disciplinary action should take place."

When asked what sort of discipline, Miller suggested dismissal. The report in question was signed by the human resources consultant for Prince Albert.