RE: Request for Powertech-branded Résumés, Bios and Release Form

Your union has been made aware of an email from CEO Raymond Lings requesting that all staff complete a Powertech-branded résumé and short biography, and sign a release form that would allow these documents to be posted on the Powertech website with employee pictures and also allowing them to be included in Powertech proposal(s) to potential clients. 

It is your union’s position that this is a violation of the collective agreement, and an invasion of members’ privacy rights.  We advised Powertech on December 21, 2017 to immediately cease and desist from requesting this information from our members.

The email also references promotions being awarded in a manner that is contrary to your collective agreement.  Article 7 of your collective agreement addresses job selections and promotions, in part, as follows:   

7.10 (d) Job selections and promotions under the foregoing shall be on the basis of ability
             (to perform the vacant job) and seniority, in that order.  Where the employee who is
             junior is selected, his/her ability to perform the vacant job shall be significantly and
            demonstrably higher than candidates who have greater seniority.

7.10 (e) Ability shall include consideration of the employee’s performance on the employee’s
             present job.

7.10 (g) Although selection of employees under the foregoing paragraphs shall rest with the
             Employer, such selection shall be subject to the grievance procedure…

The Employer can use testing as part of a job selection process pursuant to Article 7.10 (h).

If you have already submitted any of the above documents please contact your manager and advise that you are revoking your consent and request that Powertech return all documents that you have provided.

If you have any concerns or questions please contact your job steward.

In Solidarity,

Barbara Junker
Union Representative