White Rock residents give a thumbs down to privatized waste collection

WHITE ROCK – CUPE members in the City of White Rock have been out talking to the community about the proposed privatizing of residential garbage and recycling services, and they have heard lots of support for keeping it public.

CUPE 402-01 President Mike Guraliuk said that local members were handing out information this weekend, including Keep it Public stickers for use on waste bins, at the White Rock Buy-Low.

“We found overwhelming public support for keeping it public,” said Guraliuk. “Lots of White Rock residents are already very upset by the city’s decision to stop all multi-family and commercial service with no consultation. When people hear that the city is now considering privatizing pick up at single-family homes, they are hopping mad.  White Rock citizens are very proud of our community and are quite satisfied with current garbage and recycling services.”

Guraliuk said that most people don’t know this is even being considered despite the fact that the City has already issued a Request for Proposals looking for bids from private contractors, with a March 10 deadline for prospective private contractors.

“For us it is really about the services our members offer. Many of us live here - we know the people we serve. We are part of the community and we respond to safety concerns, report damage and help seniors make sure cans are put back properly. We are eyes on the street in a community we care deeply about,” said Guraliuk.

The union has previously made a written submission and a presentation to the Mayor and Council highlighting problems with privatizing, including higher and hidden costs of private contracts as well as frequent service problems. Guraliuk says that city workers will continue being out in the community, and will be at Buy-Low again on Saturday March 14 if people want to get stickers or more information.

CUPE 402-01 represents members who work for the City of White Rock and provide a wide range of services to White Rock residents, including garbage and recycling services.

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