Go-Ahead responds to union’s Big Brother claims
‘Spying’ claims made despite Go-Ahead saying it consulted with trade union before trial of audio recording
Go-Ahead-owned Brighton & Hove Buses has responded to claims made by a trade union that its recording of audio onboard buses is a breach of data protection laws.
Unite says the operator has been ‘secretly recording audio feeds on its bus network’. It claims sound recording devices in the drivers’ cabs on some buses used to augment CCTV footage with audio are able to record the conversations of passengers in areas close to the cab. It says no warning signs are present on the buses, meaning passengers are unaware that their conversations may be being recorded.
Unite says the devices were secretly installed without any consultation with the union and says drivers were not aware of their presence. However, a statement from Brighton & Hove Buses says the trial of this equipment took place in conjunction with its trade union, Unite.
“Currently on Brighton & Hove buses we do not use audio recording even though many transport operators do this as standard” – Ed Wills, Managing Director at Brighton & Hove Buses
Ed Wills, Managing Director at Brighton & Hove Buses, said: “For the safety of our passengers and drivers, CCTV is recorded on all buses and has been in place for many years. Currently on Brighton & Hove buses we do not use audio recording even though many transport operators do this as standard including other operators in the Brighton area, where audio is recorded at the entry point of the vehicle only.
“The trial at our Newhaven depot took place in conjunction with our trade union to ensure the system worked. The safety and support of our colleagues is our priority and audio helps to remove any ambiguity if video footage ever needs to be viewed. If and when this is implemented, signage will be updated in advance of the system being used.”
Unite says the use of audio recordings only came to light when a member of Brighton Bus Company management showed an audio commentary to a Unite rep during a disciplinary case involving a driver. The trade union is now asking over 1,000 members at the bus company to take part in a consultative ballot on potential industrial action over the matter.
“It is outrageous Big Brother-style behaviour from the bus company” – Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “It is outrageous Big Brother-style behaviour from the bus company, who are secretly recording drivers and their passengers without warning.
“Such is the depth of anger over this our members are now discussing potential industrial action as the bus company has refused to discuss matters reasonably. Unite will be backing their cause 100% of the way.”