The City of Red Deer has no plans of playing Big Brother with its public works employees.
In October, the City of Hamilton used video surveillance and GPS devices to investigate its workers who were accused of not doing their jobs.
As a result, 29 public works employees were axed and two others were suspended without pay for 30 days earlier this year.
Paul Goranson, Director of Development Services, which oversees the Public Works department, said the city has more faith in its employees and trust they are getting the job done.
Goranson said the city tries to foster a positive atmosphere with its staff.
“Most staff understand what the expectations are,” said Goranson. “They are motivated and do a great job. And they care about their community so that drives what they do.”
The approximately 100 employees working within the Public Works department are responsible for the roads, bridges, lanes, sidewalks and signs throughout the year.
Most of the city’s 600 vehicles, including 52 transit buses, are equipped with radios and some have GPS devices. Goranson said they are in direct contact via radio with outdoor employees every day.
He said the city will get the odd call from someone in the community if they see someone resting in a city vehicle but they have not had any problems with employees slacking on the job.
In Hamilton, the supervisors noticed irregularities on the job paperwork and decided to take a closer look into the situation.
A private investigator was hired to record the activities of the suspects.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com