Mayor Rob Ford has quietly launched a new front in his campaign to contract out city services, serving notice to unions that roughly 135 police janitorial jobs will likely be farmed out to the private sector.In a June 15 letter to the heads of CUPE Local 79 and Local 416, the unions that oversee custodial workers, the city warns of an “adjustment to the manner in which [custodial] services are provided” and states that the Toronto Police Services Board requested the city explore private options.
The decision would plunge the police board into another round of testy labour talks just one week after ratifying a contract for officers that grants 11.34 per cent in wage increases over four years as well as significant improvements to vacation time, travel allowances and other benefits.
“I find it reprehensible that this administration would try to balance the books on the backs of the lowest-paid employees within Toronto Police Services,” said Mark Ferguson, president of Local 416, which represents about 35 police custodians, “especially after having awarded such a lucrative contract to our brothers and sisters with the police.”
The unions have agreed to meet with representatives from the city’s labour relations department on Tuesday morning, where the city will provide its rationale for the move. The unions will then have 45 days to file a formal dispute to the city.
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Source: Globe & Mail
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