Investigation on the form, intrusive

Elisa Cloutier

Sunday, 11 march, 2018 00:00

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Sunday, 11 march, 2018 00:00

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The Order of certified human resources advisors has opened an investigation concerning the form of hiring intrusive, the existence of which had been reported by The Newspaper and which has “potentially” been distributed by its members at the University of Laval.

This is a complaint filed by the union representative representing the approximately 2000 support staff of the University Laval, Eric-Jan Zubrzycki, who has forced the Order to open an investigation. The aims of the human resources advisors have been involved in the distribution of this form is intrusive, which was contrary to the Charter of rights and freedoms. “[…] it is a complex and potentially involving several CHRA [conseillers en ressources humaines agréés]. We will determine more precisely the name of the CAHR covered by this investigation when we have obtained more information “, one can read in a first letter sent to the union representative.

According to Mr. Zubrzycki, at least 1,500 current employees have had to answer the questions on this form since its adoption, eight years ago. “Do you have aids, what is the date of your last menstrual period, have you been treated for cancer ? “, included some of the questions asked during the hiring process. The Université Laval had removed the form, when questioned by The Journal, in January last.

The “actions” contemplated

The Commission of human rights and droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) has had a “telephone conversation” with the management of the University in this sense. According to the spokesperson of the Commission, Meissoon Azzaria, “actions” could be undertaken in the near future to raise the awareness of employers to the protection of the applicant against discrimination at the time of hiring.

Moreover, the lawyer of the CDPDJ wishes to recall that each question and sub-question form préembauche must be justified as to the type of job. “If you have a questionnaire that asks what is the employment for which you are applying, it seems to be a general questionnaire, which is distributed to all the candidates to be filled. This is a first clue that it is possibly in a situation of discrimination “, tells Me Stephanie Fournier.

The “open” questions and not limited in time can also be a problem, ” she says. “It is as if your whole life was the subject of the review of your application “, she says.

“Women only “

The sections “women only” irritate also the lawyer of the Commission. “It is like throwing the message that, for a same job, the fact that you are a woman, ensure that you are treated differently,’ she says.

– With the collaboration of Benoit Philie

Other cases of concern

After the report of the Newspaper about the form of hiring-intrusive distributed to the Laval University, The Journal has obtained a copy of other forms are similar, including that of ABB’s and the SAQ. For its part, ABB claims to have it removed. The Crown Corporation says it will be in the process of ” reworking “.

SAQ

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Company ABB

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The companies defend themselves

Of job applications obtained by The Newspaper show that other firms, such as the SAQ and ABB, have also used the questions intrusive in their hiring process.

Even if the medical form of the SAQ is in a full ” review “, the State Corporation was not able to indicate how(s) question(s) will be withdrawn or reformulated in the course of the next few months.

“These questions are used to ensure that the employee has the ability to evolve in his position. The questionnaire allows us to evaluate if there is something that the company needs to know to adapt the job or the work environment so as to optimize the performance of the employee. “– Linda Bouchard, spokeswoman for the SAQ

At ABB, it indicates that the medical form has been withdrawn after the publication of the report of the Newspaper in this sense. However, it has not been possible to obtain the new form.

“ABB has obtained the confirmation of his partner that what type of questions were not addressed since 2009, when its forms were modified. “– Sylvie Bergeron, vice-president of human resources at ABB