A British Columbian protests Biometric scanning

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I have waited tables since I was eighteen years old. For the last two years, the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) have employed me; and I have been very satisfied with the time I have spent there. I am happy in the place I live, and I think that as a destination, Kimberley is a vibrant and growing community.

Recently, I became aware of the intention to implement a biometric hand-scanning device to replace the traditional method of signing in and out with a pen. I was very angry to hear that we would be giving such personal information away to our employer. The only option provided to us, should we choose to retain our privacy, was to terminate our employment.

We had to choose to give in to being bullied by our employer or go hungry. Since I was a child, my parents taught me that living honestly is the best way to be. Because I have grown up a decent person, I have maintained the ownership of my fingerprint records, and I am angry that my employer wants to hold me over a barrel and take them from me.

I am appalled at this attempted invasion of privacy, for both myself and the other employees. I am not the only employee upset by this; however, I am the only one who is choosing to speak out. The balance of employees at the restaurant is weighted down by obligations of mortgages- or has the ignorance of youth and is easily taken advantage of. They are equally disgusted by the resort's decision to implement this new time clock, but are in fear of losing their employment.

I would like to add that my job security has been severely threatened because of this, with the manager making comments to the other employees like, "we'll fire him if he's even a minute late". It has been made clear that even if I comply with this new tracking system, I stand to lose my job.

I am concerned about how this forced collection of personal information completely contradicts RCR's own privacy policy. Taken directly off the RCR website:

	Biometric scanning violates civil rights.

"The knowledge and consent of an individual are generally required for the collection, use or disclosure of personal information. In certain circumstances, personal information can be collected, used or disclosed without the knowledge and consent of the individual, such as when the information is necessary to respond to an emergency that threatens the life, health or security of an individual or the public."

In regards to using this device, I do not give my consent. I am not going to scan my hand. I have attempted to acquire information on the security measures that would be taken with my personal information. I asked the management at the restaurant about whom I could contact to resolve my own doubts and fears relating to this new system. They were unable or unwilling to direct me to anyone that could provide me with a resolution or factual answers about this system. Who will be able to have access to this machine's records? Will it ever be at risk? Software is fallible by design, and therefore what measures will be taken to keep my handprint safe?

I am eager to understand why such an invasive measure is required at all. If the implementation of this device is for accounting purposes, I would be more than happy to scan a card in lieu of my hand. If security is the objective, perhaps I could take this opportunity to request a light in the parking lot. If, however, this device is because the staff is untrustworthy, perhaps we could do better with whom we hire.

Yes, I would be perfectly happy to swipe a card.

I have contacted the British Columbia Labour Relations Board and the office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of British Columbia and am awaiting information from them regarding what constitutes an invasion of privacy.

I am confident that a company with your reputation will be interested in finding a mutually acceptable resolution to this matter. I will be sure to forward you the judgment from the Information and Privacy Commission as soon as I receive it. I would be happy to forward this letter to them, as well as the Labour Relations Board so that they may assist us in finding a fair and just resolution to this.

I hope to resolve this, and I hope that my relationship with my employer is not too badly bruised!

Christopher Thornton
Kimberley, British Columbia