Union told plan to outsource work could now affect 85 positions
A plan to outsource maintenance works at some government facilities could affect more than double the number of job first estimated.
The Government of Alberta (GOA) told us on Jan. 11 that it is looking to outsource facility services at the Federal Building in Edmonton, the Spy Hill corrections complex in Calgary, the Michener Centre South in Red Deer and the Edmonton Law Courts.
Maintenance service workers, carpenters, plumbers and electricians currently do the work.
We initially thought the move could affect up to 38 member positions, but the GOA has now informed us that 85 jobs are threatened. The union has requested clarification on the precise positions.
As part of your collective-bargaining agreement, the employer must consult with the union prior to making any decision.
The following individuals are the AUPE representatives for the consultation:
- Steve Eagles, Local 004 chair and member representative;
- Kevin Barry, AUPE vice-president and chair of the union’s anti-privatization committee;
- Larry Dawson, AUPE union representative (disputes and arbitration); and
- Hitomi Suzuta, AUPE research officer.
The first consultation meeting was held on Jan. 28. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 17.
AUPE is fighting back against attempts to privatize services and outsource jobs. We recently saved more than 300 government jobs in group homes for Albertans with disabilities. Find out how you can fight back by contacting AUPE organizer Trevor Zimmerman at t.zimmerman@aupe.org.
To read our first member update on this issue, click here.
To read our media release, click here.