Bulletin
BCH & Powertech – Medical Privacy – Requests for Medical Information
February 28, 2022
To: All MoveUP members at BCH & Powertech
It has recently come to our attention that some MoveUP members at BC Hydro are being asked to provide additional medical information beyond what is set out in the standard Attending Physician’s Statement (APS), Sick Leave Support Statement (SLSS), and Functional Assessment Form (FAF).
MoveUP takes the protection of your personal medical information with the utmost seriousness and has spent many years in discussion and arbitration with BC Hydro to ensure that your privacy rights are respected. The current forms allow BC Hydro to collect medical information from MoveUP members working at BC Hydro, but only to the extent required for their respective purposes.
In some rare cases, more information may be required, and a further letter to an employee’s doctor may be required. However, these cases are the exception to the rule, and all such additional requests for information should be reviewed by the union so that we can ensure that your privacy and the privacy of all MoveUP members is given the protection it deserves.
Furthermore, the union has been made aware of the employer’s implementation of a Worksafe BC Stay-at-work/return-to-work package. It is important to note that these documents refer strictly to injuries that occur at work and are covered under WorkSafeBC. For injuries that occur outside of work the process of how the employer can obtain medical information is outlined in the collective agreement under Article 15.07. If the employer is still utilizing the Worksafe BC Stay-at-work/return-to-work package, please advise your local job steward.
If you are asked to provide medical information outside of the standard forms, or if you have any questions about a request your employer has made for medical information, please contact a job steward or the union office immediately.
In solidarity,
Alina Teymory, Union Representative
Mike Novak, Union Representative
April Young, Union Representative
Javed Saheb, Union Representative