Blacklisting? We’ve got an app for that

An app which rates the performance of asbestos workers could potentially be used to blacklist and discriminate against workers, Unite has warned.

The app was launched yesterday (September 1) by the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA).

However, after a close reading of how the app appears to work and in particular the way that contractors rate operatives, Unite is concerned that the app could be used to victimise and blacklist workers.

Unite has written to Jason Day, the chairman of ARCA raising its concerns.

“Unite is fully committed to the underlying principle that asbestos removal work must be undertaken by trained workers who undertake the work safely,” Unite national officer for construction Ian Woodland said.

“However, Unite fears that in an attempt to ensure competency levels, ARCA has created a system which allows unscrupulous contractors to victimise and blacklist workers who, for example, may have challenged dangerous working practices, giving them a low score when rating their ability.

“A low mark would then result in the affected worker struggling to be hired for future asbestos removal work.

“Unite is concerned that there is no evidence that the app includes sufficient safeguards to prevent blacklisting and discrimination to occur.

“Unite has written to Mr Day to raise our concerns and is seeking a meeting in order to ensure that these concerns are resolved.

“In the meantime Unite would urge that the roll out of the app is suspended in order to ensure that workers cannot be blacklisted, discriminated or victimised by this technology,” he added.

By Barckley Sumner