Contracting out of Custodial Services – Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC)
February 27, 2019 at 4:28 PM
On January 25, the Local was advised by APC that they made a decision to contract out its custodial services affecting 14 bargaining unit positions.
“The staff impacted by this decision, are proud employees who earn a living wage and will no doubt be replaced by contract workers who will earn at or near minimum wage, with few benefits and no pension plan,” said Gord Delbridge, CUPE Local 500 President.
According to APC, the decision to contract out is strictly cost-savings. However, CUPE has not been offered any detailed costing or business plan to substantiate the projected savings.
“APC management has withheld information from the union,” said Delbridge. “Despite repeated requests to meet to resolve this issue, they are not willing to do so. In our view, it is clear that APC does not wish to pursue discussions as per the collective agreement, and work cooperatively with CUPE on this initiative.”
As a result, the Local is proceeding through the grievance/arbitration process and has filed an unfair labour practice with the Manitoba Labour Board.
CUPE has represented the members at Assiniboine Park since they were unionized in 1917. Given the recent decision to contract out the custodial function, we have to question APC’s continued commitment to using in-house CUPE members at future park development sites.”
“We also remain concerned about the future costs of admissions and the transparency of APC in running the park,” said Delbridge. “We believe APC should have the same reporting and tendering measures as the City of Winnipeg.”
In a recent letter sent to the mayor and all members of council, CUPE is calling on the city to review APC’s operating practices to ensure they are publicly accountable and in compliance with the terms of the lease and funding agreement with the City of Winnipeg.
We will update the membership as more information becomes available.
