Wired Magazine recently reported that a Canadian school bus driver refused to allow an American based background checking firm from conducting a mandatory background search. The driver cited privacy issues, claiming the U.S. based company could possible sell his personal information to a third party. The bus company responded by delegating a Canadian based background searching company to conduct the necessary background checks.
Now the driver and those who supported her presumably feel much better. Presumably they feel safer. But like a good many thinks presumption and actuality don’t always necessarily go hand in hand. Reputable background checking firms do not provide any employment candidate’s personal information to third parties. Beside this act being a matter of integrity, the Fair Credit Report Act (FCRA) is pretty strident in its oversight of employment law.
The driver, though satisfied with the result of her protest, suggested it would be best that a police department conduct the background checks. Having cited recent articles where police departments and other municipal agencies hired convicted felons and sexual offenders for their own workforce, I would venture this isn’t always the most prudent suggestion one can make.
While some may see this as a significant victory, it appears more