BC Hydro fires five workers suspected of stealing electricity
By Nelson Daily Staff
BC Hydro fired five workers Thursday for allegedly stealing equipment and facilitating the theft of electricity related to a grow-op.
“BC Hydro has been investigating the actions of a small number of employees to determine if they violated BC Hydro’s Code of Conduct,” said Greg Reimer, executive vice-president, Transmission & Distribution, BC Hydro in a statement on the company website.
“As a result of this investigation, employment for five individuals has been terminated by BC Hydro. The investigation continues into the conduct of three employees.”
Reimer said the Code of Conduct violations involved in these cases include the theft of BC Hydro equipment and facilitating the theft of electricity.
Doug McKay, business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 258 and worker’s union, said in written statement one week ago when BC Hydro launched the investigation and workers were sent home with pay.
“From what I’ve seen so far, our members are just doing their jobs. It’s not a lineman’s job to knock on doors and inquire whether a grow-op is inside. That’s the job of the police,” he said.
“The union does not condone any illegal activity by our members. Nor do we condone a witch hunt. The sooner this thing gets sorted out the better. Our members don’t deserve to have this cloud of suspicion hanging over them. It’s easy to make allegations. No one reads the retractions later on.”
BC Hydro has provided information to the RCMP. Police will determine whether or not to pursue a criminal investigation.
Reimer said ten other employees were interviewed as part of the investigation and these individuals have returned to work.
“BC Hydro has a responsibility to protect the safety and security of B.C.’s electrical system, customers and employees and we take this responsibility very seriously,” Reimer said.
“We hope that the activities of a very small number of individuals do not overshadow the hard work and dedication of our employees who work every day to safely keep the lights on in British Columbia.”
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