Fact Service April 2021

Issue 17

Union demands halt to use of app

Transport union the RMT had condemned the use of an app which it says outsourcing company Mitie is attempting to force on staff.

According to the union, the company requires staff to download the app to their phones so that it can be used to: book onto a shift; complete check calls; request holiday; see a summary of the shift attended; leave notes for managers; and see upcoming shifts.

But the app also appears to be able to track the location of workers, so that if a member of staff is “pinned” onto a security shift and the location does not match the location the company considers correct, they will be prompted to call the control room.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is truly shocking that the company have proposed this idea without any discussions.”

Last month the TUC warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence, and how its introduction should be carried out in consultation with trade unions (see Fact Service, issue 14).

https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-condemns-outsourcing-company-mitie