EPC budget proposes service and job cuts
March 10, 2020 at 8:40 AM
On March 6, the City’s Executive Policy Committee tabled Winnipeg’s multi-year budget. The budget proposes cuts across the city that will affect Winnipeggers and the work of CUPE members.
Local 500 will be reviewing the budget in more detail but here are some highlights and lowlights that we can report at this time.
Highlights:
After months of lobbying, presentations to standing committees and launching of CUPE 500’s public campaign, the City has cancelled its plans to close pools, libraries, arenas and other civic facilities. This is only a partial victory – our fight is not over!
Lowlights:
Among the lowlights of the proposed budget:
Close all libraries on Sundays (reduction of 888 hours)
- All libraries that are open past 8:00 pm will now close at 8:00 pm (reduction of 1,898 hours)
- Close Waverley Fleet Repair Facility
- Reduction of 24 hour emergency coverage from two crews to one in the Water & Waste Department
- Cuts to jobs including 311, French Language Service, Cemeteries and other departments
- Sell John Blumberg Golf Course
- Close Terry Sawchuk Arena
- Reduce Leisure Guide programming by 50 percent starting in January 2021
- Increase vacancy management savings from $18.4 million in 2019 to $18.8 million in 2020
- Reduce grants to community groups by 10%
- Increase efficiency savings from $14.6 million in 2019 to $16.5 million
- Reduce the Business tax
Committees and Council still to decide on budget
The Standing Policy Committees and City Council as a whole must still make decisions on the budget before it is finalized. As always, we will be speaking out against any attempts to reduce staffing levels and oppose cuts to programs and services.
Here is the schedule for upcoming meetings: (Copies of the Local's presentation will be added to each committee meeting following the presentations).
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 – 9:30 a.m.
Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development, Heritage, and Downtown Development (Special Meeting)
Thursday, March 12, 2020 – 1:30 p.m.
Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works (Special Meeting)
Friday, March 13, 2020 – 9:30 a.m.
Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks (Special Meeting)
Monday, March 16, 2020 – 9:30 a.m.
Standing Policy Committee on Innovation and Economic Development (Special Meeting)
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 – 9:30 a.m.
Standing Policy Committee on Water and Waste, Riverbank Management and the Environment (Special Meeting)
Thursday, March 19, 2020 – 9 a.m.
Executive Policy Committee to hear public delegations on budgets (Special Meeting)
Friday, March 20, 2020 – 9 a.m.
Executive Policy Committee to table final recommendations (Special Meeting)
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 – 9:30 a.m.
Council to consider budget (Special Meeting)
Watch for more information:
The Local will keep you posted on our next steps in the fight against the cuts. Please watch for further updates as more information becomes available.
