On November 22, the City of Winnipeg tabled its capital and operating budgets for 2017. While we are pleased to see infrastructure funding for a new library in Transcona and enhancements to our recreation facilities, there are some areas of the budget that have us concerned. These include:
- 18.5 million in vacancy management ($2.4 million decrease from 2016 target)
- Cuts to business tax (reduced from 5.3% to 5.25%)
- $11 million in savings through departmental “efficiencies”
- Continuing the $1 million innovation capital fund (formerly known as Alternate Service Delivery) to invest in new ideas for future savings.
“The city's work force is already cut to the bone and there is no doubt that CUPE members have borne the brunt of the past several years of vacancy management and other cost saving initiatives,” said Local 500 President Gord Delbridge. “These ongoing reductions in staffing levels have and will continue to compromise front line services being delivered to the citizens of Winnipeg. Winnipeggers deserve a budget that provides the necessary funding and resources to deliver the public services they value and depend on.”
Over the next couple of days, the Local will be studying the budget more closely to identify any and all service reductions and will be raising these at the upcoming standing committee meetings and with City Council. As always, we will speak out against any attempts to contract out our work, reduce staffing levels and oppose cuts to programs and services.
The Local will keep you updated and provide copies of all presentations made during the budget process.
