With two local weigh scales targeted by suspected arson — one this week and another in December last year — concerns have been raised about the safety of Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) workers and officers.
One of the strongest advocates for CVSE safety is the president of the BC General Employees' Union, who spoke with The Citizen about the two alleged arsons.
“There are 24 weigh scales across the province, and this is the second one in the area to be set on fire and vandalized. We think there's an obvious pattern here,” said Finch. “This is a general targeting of law enforcement that includes CVSE. Our concern is that the appropriate protections CVSE needs — to ensure officers get home safe at the end of the day — must be put in place.
“There’s a broader context beyond just the pattern that’s emerging — there’s an escalating environment of hostility and verbal abuse directed towards CVSE members. These individuals play an incredibly important role in ensuring that your roads are safe. They deserve the support necessary to ensure they can go home safely.”
Finch also expressed concern about the state of some CVSE worksites, noting they are in need of security upgrades and equipment changes, especially for employees working alone on late shifts.
“There are very specific things we've identified jointly with the province that need to be fulfilled — and haven't been,” said Finch. “We need a centralized dispatch, similar to what BC conservation officers have. That’s critical communication. We need to increase staffing to ensure people aren't working alone and putting themselves at risk in remote situations. We need to ensure that these weigh scale stations have appropriate lighting and cameras in place.
“These needs were identified quite a while ago. The upgrades to these facilities haven’t been completed. This is basic, and it needs to happen. We also need to ensure there's appropriate training in place for all of our CVSE members. We need a review of what protections are appropriate for CVSE members — including use-of-force options.”
The BCGEU recently stated in a news release: “The BCGEU has successfully pushed the government to initiate an independent, third-party risk assessment of working conditions and practices at CVSE facilities.”
However, Finch is adamant that the upgrades and staffing changes must happen as soon as possible to ensure safe working conditions.
“I want to be clear — I don't want them addressed by the third party; I want them addressed before the third party can make its report,” said Finch. “We need a central dispatch system to clarify communications. We need the camera, lighting and security upgrades in facilities completed now — not six months from now, but now. And with respect to the third-party risk assessment, we need a clear understanding of the support options and other measures in place to protect CVSE officers.”
Finch added that, beyond the alleged arson at the weigh station, there have been several incidents of violence and threats pointing to a troubling trend.
“We have several instances of behaviour where we've had verbal abuse. We've had altercations where CVSE officers had to call the police. We've had situations where general threats were directed towards weigh scale staff. There are situations where officers responded to calls involving occupants with weapons. There’s a variety of different incidents — and this is part of a broader trend that’s happening.”
“The fundamental thing I'll say is this — there are very specific, clear steps that should be taken immediately to enhance the security and protection of people who play a vital role in keeping our roads safe,” said Finch. “Both for travel and because this is an essential corridor for our economy, they deserve our support so they can get home safe themselves.”
