Richmond, B.C. employees sold scrap metal for cash

A recent investigation by Global News revealed that scrap metal was being sold for cash by employees at Richmond’s City Works Yard in British Columbia. This practice reportedly took place for at least two years, from 2022 to 2023. The investigation showed that metal was transported to Mitchell Island for sale. Documents obtained through a freedom of information request revealed numerous redacted pages, along with emails and receipts. One email from the union expressed concern about the growing number of incidents of cash transactions involving metal sales. The email noted a shift from two reported occurrences to eleven. The City of Richmond acknowledged that around $4,000 in cash was involved. City spokesperson Clay Adams stated that the money was returned to management and used for city purposes, not for personal gain. However, Adams later confirmed that a small portion of the cash was used to buy gift cards as part of an employee recognition program. The investigation indicated that the selling of scrap metal was done under the instructions of a manager. The union representing city workers, CUPE, mentioned that the city establishes its own policies and procedures. Despite the findings, Richmond stated that the manager involved did not face any disciplinary action.