Protect Yourself – March 2021 (PDF version)
A number of alarming scenarios regarding the privacy of members have recently come to the attention of the CPSU NSW.
Your workplace is like no other industry, where the invisible boundary between your work and home life is paramount. We maintain it is the responsibility of your employer Serco to take all reasonable steps to ensure that one does not intrude upon the other. However, there are also some simple steps the CPSU NSW advises you to take.
It should go without saying but move your social media to a private and preferably an alias account, or delete it entirely. An innocent set of photos posted on line of special moments can leave a cookie crumb trail of your personal circumstances you would probably prefer not be publicised: the town in which you live, the appearance of your house, whether you have a partner or a dog, your children and the school they attend.
You may have been cautious since you got this job, but the internet is forever. Google your name and see what comes up. Then start hiding it.
Serco has issued name tags to staff which include given and surnames, ostensibly so inmates can identify staff in the event of a complaint. However, it carries a problematic potential side-effect: inmates may, and particularly for those of you with less-common names, retain the information and either attempt to contact you when released or, even worse, have family members contact you while they are still incarcerated.
Employees in Corrective Services NSW have refused to comply with this direction for this very good reason.
Your union will be raising the issue at the consultative committee in coming weeks. However, our advice to members in the interim is – don’t wear them. This is a legitimate WHS concern and we believe you are exercising your right to be safe at work (and at home) by not participating. If you receive pressure from management about your decision, please refer them to the CPSU NSW or contact the Member Support Centre yourself on 1300 772 679.
Become a silent voter. It’s easy. Follow the link HERE.
Regardless of whether you share a home with family or friends, have a conversation with them about the need for you to protect your privacy. Ask them not to boast to all and sundry about your job. Tell them not to share photos of you online without your permission. And most importantly they shouldn’t field inquiries from unknown people about you, particularly “old friends looking to get in touch”.
It’s a confronting situation to discuss, but something worth taking seriously.
Get them to join their union at www.cpsunsw.org.au/join.
