Town to contract out more services
Union says decision only shows 'huge contempt' for workers
Sarah Ladik
Northern News Services
Friday, July 3, 2015
HAY RIVER
The Town of Hay River is hiring contractors in the midst of a strike.
Dave Ryan walks the line on Saturday. Both workers and councillors are frustrated with the negotiation process that has so far failed to end the municipal strike. - Jared Monkman/NNSL photo
|
Last week, the mayor announced the town is looking for contractors to provide administrative, financial services, public works project management and management of the Don Stewart Recreation Centre.
"This is not a knee-jerk reaction," said Mayor Andrew Cassidy. "In the environment that we're in right now, we need to do something. We're frustrated with the negotiation process and we need to move forward somehow."
He said the decision reached at last week's council meeting was one that followed much thought and discussion and not made lightly. The contracts will be advertised as soon as possible, according to Cassidy.
There's also no specific budget set for the contract positions, which Cassidy said will eventually be based on the applications sent in, both from individuals and companies.
"As they come in we'll be able to evaluate them and determine if we have the budget to go down that road," he said. "We'll make our decision based on that."
When asked at what point contracting services out would be too expensive, Cassidy said that would be determined by council based on what's presented by the town's administration, the applications received and the historical costs.
Cassidy said it's likely a presentation will be made to council soon after applications close on July 8.
Union representatives, however, are not taking the news lying down.
"Now people can see what kind of employer we're dealing with here," said Union of Northern Workers president Todd Parsons. "They have shown a huge contempt for the workers."
He said the plan is to continue picketing any location the workplaces of members would be done in an effort to dissuade people from crossing picket lines.
"This strike is escalating," he said. "Mayor and council have a complete disrespect and disregard for the community. They are attacking their own workers with their mindless decisions."
Closer to home, members walking the picket line are equally frustrated. Kim Tybring said he was appalled that council is asking people to cross the picket line.
"It makes me wonder, what is this community I live in?" he said. "It sure shows a lack of confidence in the community they're leading."
"This is pretty significant," said Cassidy. "I'm not going to try to understate the conversations we've had. It was a decision made out of necessity. We're not looking for specific numbers of people, council would like to see the recreation centre up and running at the same service level we had before the strike began at the standard we expect and the public deserves."
-with files from Karen Ho
