Ups Package Cars: Cameras For Security And Surveillance?

UPS has been installing surveillance cameras in their package cars, with Lytx Drivecam cameras in four centres in Oklahoma and Texas, and plans to expand. The cameras have both outward-facing and driver-facing lenses, and can record video and audio inside the truck. While UPS claims the cameras are for safety, there is concern that they will be used to harass and discipline drivers. The International Union has rights to bargain over the effects of new technology and to negotiate protections for workers.

The Lytx DriveCam system can record video and audio inside the truck

The DriveCam system is being installed in UPS package cars in several locations across the United States, including Oklahoma, Texas, and Brooklyn, New York. There are reports of plans to expand its use to other centers. The cameras are marketed as a safety feature, but UPS Teamsters are skeptical of management's intentions, given a history of technology being used to monitor and discipline drivers.

The International Union has rights under the national contract to bargain over the effects of new technology and to negotiate protections for workers. However, there are concerns that these rights are not being adequately enforced by the current union leadership. Some UPS Teamsters are calling for stronger action to protect drivers from what they perceive as invasive surveillance and potential abuse by management.

The DriveCam system has the capability to continuously record and live-stream video and audio footage from inside the truck. While UPS has assured the IBT (International Brotherhood of Teamsters) that these capabilities have not been activated yet, some drivers are worried about the potential for abuse. There are reports of cameras being covered or obstructed by drivers, which triggers an alert in the system.

In addition to recording video and audio, the DriveCam system is reported to have AI capabilities that can detect and flag certain behaviors such as distracted driving, lack of seatbelt use, and following too closely to the vehicle in front. These detections can trigger notifications and alerts for supervisors, who can then review the footage. While the system is intended to improve safety, some drivers feel it is an added distraction, as they are constantly monitoring the camera's status and worrying about triggering alerts.

The presence of the DriveCam system has stoked fear and paranoia among some UPS drivers, who worry about the potential for the company to invade their privacy and monitor their conversations. There are concerns about the lack of transparency from management regarding the capabilities and use of the cameras. While UPS has provided some assurances, there is still uncertainty and skepticism among drivers.

Cameras can be set to record continuously or only when triggered by an incident

In 2020, UPS began installing Lytx DriveCam in package cars in four centres in Oklahoma and Texas, with plans to expand. These cameras have both outward-facing and driver-facing capabilities and can record video and audio inside the truck.

The cameras can be set to record continuously, or only when triggered by an incident such as swerving or sudden braking. They can also be set up to live-stream video and audio footage from outside and inside the truck. However, UPS has stated that these capabilities have not been activated yet.

The installation of these cameras has raised concerns among UPS Teamsters about potential abuse and harassment by management, who already use Telematics to monitor and discipline drivers. There are calls for union action to protect UPS Teamsters from invasive cameras and increased harassment.

Some UPS employees have expressed mixed reactions to the cameras, with some feeling that they need to slow down to avoid triggering the camera, while others feel it hasn't affected their work. There are also concerns about privacy and trust, with employees feeling that the cameras are an invasion of privacy and a breach of trust by management.

Cameras can also live-stream footage

UPS has installed Lytx Drivecam in package cars in four centers in Oklahoma and Texas, with plans to bring them to a truck near you. According to Lytx, their DriveCam has both outward-facing and driver-facing cameras, and can record video and audio inside the truck. The cameras can be set to only record when they are triggered by an incident, like swerving or sudden braking. But, the cameras can also live-stream footage.

The live-streaming capability of the Lytx Drivecam cameras installed in UPS package cars allows for real-time monitoring of both the outside and inside of the truck. This includes video and audio footage, providing a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings and the driver's actions. The live stream can be accessed remotely, enabling UPS management or authorized personnel to observe and respond to situations as they occur.

The live-streaming feature enhances UPS's ability to monitor and manage their fleet in real-time. It enables them to address any issues or incidents promptly, ensuring the safety and security of their drivers and packages. However, some UPS Teamsters have expressed concerns about the potential for management to abuse this technology for harassment and discipline, similar to how they claim Telematics is used.

While UPS has assured the IBT (International Brotherhood of Teamsters) that the live-streaming capability has not been activated yet, there are worries that management will eventually utilize all the capabilities of the spyware. This has prompted calls for the union to take strong, united action to protect UPS Teamsters from invasive cameras and spiraling harassment. The International Union has strong rights under Article 6, Section 4 of their national contract to bargain over the effects of new technology and to negotiate protections.

UPS Teamsters are demanding that their union take immediate action to address the concerns surrounding the installation of cameras in package cars. They are calling for protections against invasive surveillance and an end to spiraling harassment. The union has the contractual rights to bargain over the impact of new technology and negotiate safeguards for their members. However, there are concerns that the union leadership is not doing enough to enforce these rights and protect the Teamsters from potential privacy invasions and disciplinary actions.

Cameras are being installed without the union's permission

UPS has installed Lytx Drivecam in package cars in four centers in Oklahoma and Texas, with plans to expand. The devices have both outward-facing and driver-facing cameras, capable of recording video and audio inside the truck. The company has stated that the cameras are for safety purposes, but the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union (IBT) has expressed concerns about the potential for management to abuse the technology to harass and discipline drivers.

The IBT has strong rights under Article 6, Section 4 of their national contract to bargain over the effects of new technology and to negotiate protections. Despite this, the union claims that the necessary action to protect workers is not being taken. The union has urged locals to hold rallies and leafletting actions to demonstrate their power and solidarity.

The union's position is that UPS uses cameras to "spy" on drivers and unfairly uses the footage for disciplinary purposes. They argue that this is an invasion of privacy and a breach of trust. Some workers have reported feeling harassed and unfairly monitored by the company.

UPS Teamsters are demanding that the union take strong, united action to protect them from what they perceive as invasive cameras and increasing harassment. They are calling for a ban on driver-facing cameras in UPS vehicles, which the company has agreed to as part of a recent labor deal. However, this agreement has not yet been ratified by union members.

The installation of cameras in UPS package cars without the union's permission has sparked controversy and concern among workers. The union is fighting for their rights and demanding their share of the company's profits, which they helped generate through their hard work.

Cameras are being used to monitor and discipline drivers

UPS management has been known to abuse technology to harass and discipline drivers. The cameras are just the latest example of this. While management pitches the cameras as a safety measure, the reality is that they are being used to monitor and discipline drivers. This is evident in the way the cameras are being used to record and monitor drivers' every move. For example, if a driver reaches for their water bottle while driving, the camera sounds an alarm, "Distracted driving, distracted driving!". This is just one example of how the cameras are being used to discipline drivers and create a culture of fear and paranoia among UPS employees.

The International Union has strong rights under the national contract to bargain over the effects of new technology and to negotiate protections for workers. Article 6, Section 6 of the contract prevents UPS from terminating a driver based solely on technology but allows other forms of discipline and harassment. Despite this, the Package Division has been silent when it comes to protecting Teamsters at UPS.

The cameras have also been met with resistance from UPS employees. Some drivers have expressed concerns about the invasion of privacy and the potential for disciplinary action. There have also been reports of cameras being covered or unplugged, and grievances filed against UPS for installing the cameras without the union's permission.

The use of cameras to monitor and discipline drivers is just the latest example of UPS's profit-over-people approach to worker safety. Instead of investing in air conditioning or other measures to improve working conditions, UPS has chosen to install cameras that will save the company money on insurance rates. This is just one example of how UPS prioritizes profits over the safety and well-being of its employees.

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