Re: SFU admin hires private firm to film TSSU

I just read the article, here is the SFU position according to the article - quote:

"In a statement to PressProgress, SFU said that the investigators with LGRMG are not there to provide security, but instead to “document picket activity.”
Under the B.C. Labour code, TSSU members on a picket line are obligated to allow safe and unimpeded passage for anyone choosing to cross. The university continues to receive complaints from faculty, staff and students about behaviour that does not align with the labour code, including entries being blocked,” SFU spokesperson Will Henderson said in a statement to PressProgress."

Here is what my lab members, students and colleagues told me:

Members of picket lines block access to parking lots, prevent FedEx and other delivery trucks from entering and delivering packages, tell students that they are not allowed to enter picketed buildings, harass and intimidate people who try to legally cross picket lines, etc.

I have experienced similar harassment on other occasions at TSSU picket lines. When I explained that I would like to cross the picket line to get to my research lab to attend to the animals in my lab, the person at the picket line apparently was flummoxed and at a loss, so he let me pass. I didn’t get the impression he was from SFU or had any idea about research at a university.

I think SFU did receive legitimate complaints about behaviour at picket lines and has a responsibility to respond to these complaints.

Harald

On Oct 10, 2023, at 6:14 PM, Mark Leier <leier@sfu.ca> wrote:

Well. This is interesting: a report that SFU administration has hired a private security firm to film TSSU members.

https://pressprogress.ca/simon-fraser-university-hires-controversial-private-investigation-firm-to-film-striking-education-workers/