Fury over GPS for workers

By: MICHAEL OWEN, AdelaideNow.com

A COMPANY policy forcing workers to wear global positioning systems so their movements can be tracked by satellite has angered unions and civil rights groups.

From early next year, Adelaide pamphlet delivery workers are to be fitted with GPS tracking devices to ensure they carry out their duties.
A project team for PMP Limited - the country's largest distributor of unaddressed mail - is working on a national rollout of the controversial program.

The company's delivery "walkers" in Sydney are the first to have been made to strap the tracking devices to their waists before handing out flyers.

Employees in Adelaide are expected to follow suit in March.

Big retailers including Coles Myer, Hungry Jack's and Radio Rentals are among those to have signed up for the scheme.

But workers are not so happy, with some Sydney employees reportedly resigning. The information package given to walkers in Sydney included a resignation form.

SA Unions secretary Janet Giles said the use of GPS devices implied the company did not trust its workers.

"It provides workers with no dignity," Ms Giles said.

"These people are low-paid workers with very little power."

She said there was no Workplace Surveillance Act in SA to regulate the use of such technology.

SA Council for Civil Liberties chairman George Mancini condemned the move said as disgraceful.