Service Canada to review staff security concern

As the number of Canadians seeking Employment Insurance (EI) benefits grows, claimants face bad news on two fronts. Many find they do not meet the stiff eligibility requirements while those who qualify encounter delays in payment. For EI staff working in-person with the public, these problems boost claimants’ frustration levels and can lead to angry outbursts. In this context, the employer’s recent decision to have staff wear name tags has heightened concerns that irate clients are now better able to locate staff outside the workplace.

The worry about irate clients has always existed, in less pressured times as well as the current economic climate. Clients in financial distress can behave in ways they otherwise never would, and front line staff are an easy target for their frustration and disappointment.

The security issue raised by name tags has been taken up with national management by the union and, as a result, the employer will review its decision. Members are asked to email their concerns over the wearing of name tags to the senior management figure at their workplace so that the employer gains a full picture of the issues faced by those working on the front lines. Members writing to management are asked to copy the union at kersr@ceiu-seic.ca