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Unifor applauds the findings of an Occupational Health and Safety investigation, conducted on behalf of the federal Ministry of Labour, into the “All off” model used by many companies in the armoured car industry.
“This is a tremendous step forward for the safety of all armoured car workers, this decision has the potential to save lives,” said Mike Armstrong, Unifor National Staff Representative and lead on armoured car industry matters. “We now look to the entire industry to eliminate the unnecessary danger associated with “All off” crews.”
The investigation concluded with a decisive ruling to direct Brink’s Canada Limited to immediately alter its practice of both the driver and guard exiting the armoured vehicle at drop-offs and pick-ups. The ruling confirms Unifor’s long-standing position against the practice.
“The (All-off) model does not provide the employees with any information of suspicious persons or activities occurring outside while they are inside the customer’s location,” stated the August 18 ruling. “As a result, the employees have a diminished ability to avoid a potential ambush upon returning to the armoured vehicle.”
Canada has seen more than 85 armoured car robberies since 2000, resulting in five deaths and numerous physical and mental injuries. Since 2013, each publicly reported robbery has involved a two-person crew, with many in public spaces or near residential areas. This ruling comes just weeks after a robbery in Edmonton, which resulted in the shooting death of one person.
Unifor, representing more than 1,500 armoured car guards across Canada, has called for federal standards in employee training, vehicle specifications, crew complements and safety equipment requirements. The union is calling for all party support of Bill C-285, a private member’s bill tabled by Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Westminster) that would require new federal regulations.
Visit Unifor.org/safecargo
