Further to the February update
February 27, 2006
Brothers and Sisters,
There was an occurrence at our offices this weekend which has prompted
me to contact you and re-inforce to everyone the necessity for
protection of confidential files.
We, as a Union, have access to many confidential documents and
do our utmost to protect these. There are files and correspondence,
at our office, with members' personal information that are protected
under our privacy policy, as well as correspondence on strategies
and interpretive positions which could seriously weaken our bargaining
strength if they are released to the companies prematurely.
When we are not present at the office, all files are protected
by at least two locked doors. We also have a motion sensor alarm
system within the building, which is monitored by an independent
security firm. Any files and/or documents which are obsolete or
duplicated and are being disposed of are put through the paper
shredder and recycled. All of our computers are password secured
and spyware protected.
This may seem like a lot of precautions but we believe, now more
than ever, that they are a necessity.
Even though Local Lodge officers do not have access to the same
degree of confidential files as our office, I have requested that
Secretary/ Treasurer Wilson send instructions to the Lodge Executives
re-iterating the need for security of Union documents in their
possession.
As you are aware, our office is located at 2775 Lancaster Road
in Ottawa, Ontario. This building is occupied exclusively by our
Division. We also own the adjacent parking lot and have a dumpster
at the back of the building where we dispose of our office garbage.
Yesterday, on Sunday February 26, 2006, I surprised a Labour Relations
officer (who is employed by one of the companies where we represent)
while he was in the act of not only trespassing on our property
but actually looking around in our dumpster. Obviously this company
officer did not expect anyone to be around the office on a Sunday
for he had no legal or ethical reason to be there.
Of course, the police are now involved, it is in the hands of our
attorney and I have written to the company that employs this individual,
because as I have explained above, we go to great lengths to insure
that no confidential material can fall into the wrong hands.
I do want to assure all of you...This individual did not retrieve
any confidential Union documents (if that is what he was looking
for) because we make sure that nothing of a confidential nature
gets thrown into that dumpster, but we will be putting a locking
device on it anyway, just to insure that no one can root around
in there again.
This experience has again driven the point home to me that we must
always be vigilant to protect your interests and the interests
of the TCRC MWED.
Forewarned is forearmed, Brothers and Sisters. Insure that Union
documents and information stay within the Union.
On a lighter note, SOSA TP&E member Natasha Gray sent a picture
of her nephew Brandon, who she calls "the future Eastern Region
Director" and I had to get it posted on the website. Go to
www.tcrcmwed.ca and click on "Pictures". Then click on
the fourth bullet point "miscellaneous pictures".
Stay safe out there, and remember that Teamster Pride + Teamster
Unity = Teamster Strength
Fraternally,
Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED
