More hidden video cameras - this time in a correctional facility

Privacy battles in the workplace are increasingly being fought over the newswires. Below is the latest, based on an allegedly hidden video camera at a Canadian prison:

Hidden video surveillance of correctional officers at Leclerc Institution; Correctional Service Canada wrongly blames union for its own illegal acts:

"MONTREAL, Dec. 23 /CNW Telbec/ - Following several media reports
December 23, the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) is
compelled to comment on the discovery of a hidden surveillance camera at
Leclerc Institution, a medium-security penitentiary in Laval.

A correctional officer at Leclerc Institution discovered a video camera
hidden in a defective emergency light during the evening of September 21,
2004. As soon as the officer moved the light, the preventive security officers
and the assistant warden at Leclerc quickly intercepted him. They then lied to
him about the purpose of the camera and threatened him with reprisals if he
did not keep this discovery secret. He refused and was suspended without pay
for seven days for having "damaged government material". The suspension has
been grieved.

Following a meeting with the Acting Commissioner of Correctional Service
Canada, Mr. Don Head, UCCO-SACC-CSN was satisfied that this was an isolated
incident and would not be repeated. Mr. Head stated to the union that only he
can authorize the installation of hidden electronic surveillance, and that he
did not do so in this case, or at any other penal institution in Canada.

However, UCCO-SACC-CSN is now compelled to publicly comment following
defamatory statements by Leclerc Assistant Warden Pierre Gauthier in the
Dec. 23 edition of the Journal de Montréal. Mr. Gauthier stated the camera was
installed to catch correctional officers in the act of vandalism and
intimidating management staff. He also stated the camera respected the Privacy
Act and CSC policies.

"Both statements are untrue," said Mr. Pierre Dumont, Quebec Region
President of UCCO-SACC-CSN. "This camera was installed illegally, and
UCCO-SACC-CSN has filed a complaint over the incident with the federal Privacy
Commissioner, Ms. Jennifer Stoddart."

This case is all the more disturbing because it was followed by an
incident at William Head Institution, a minimum-security penitentiary near
Victoria, BC. Two CSC managers from this institution will face criminal
charges in a trial beginning next month in Vancouver over a case of illegal
electronic surveillance.

Both the BC and Quebec incidents are illegal attempts to harass the union
representing correctional officers in Canada, notes UCCO-SACC-CSN National
President Sylvain Martel. He said it is typical behaviour in a situation in
which the federal government is refusing to negotiate a renewal to their
labour agreement that has been expired since June 2002.

"Certain CSC managers believe themselves to be above the law," said
Mr. Martel. "But this union will ensure that even CSC managers cannot break
Canadian laws."

The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) is the
official bargaining agent for 5,700 correctional officers in 54 federal
institutions across Canada.

For further information: Lyle Stewart, CSN communications advisor,
(514) 796-2066"

In light of the inflamatory language in the release, I'd just like to mention that I am simply quoting verbatim from the union's press release and I will happy publish a rebuttal from Corrections Canada.

Interesting stuff ...

More coverage: CBC Montreal - Guards want warden charged over spy camera