CUPE members join White Rock protest of privatized waste collection

CUPE 402 President Jeannie Kilby and CUPE 402-01 President Mike Guraliuk with CUPE and community members at the White Rock city hall rally opposed to privatization of city services.

WHITE ROCK – CUPE members joined several hundred City of White Rock residents at city hall today protesting plans to privatize garbage collection and recycling services.

CUPE 402-01 President Mike Guraliuk said that he had been approached by many concerned residents who were upset by the city’s decision to stop all multi-family and commercial service with no consultation.  Guraliuk said that many people were not even aware that the city is also considering privatizing pick up at single-family homes.

“CUPE members have been handing out information over the past few weeks, including Keep it Public stickers for use on waste bins, at the White Rock Buy-Low.  We are not surprised that residents have taken their concerns to city hall.  People don’t understand why the city is racing to privatize garbage and recycling services, and they don’t feel that the city has been listening to them,” said Guraliuk. “

The City has already issued a Request for Proposals looking for bids from private contractors, with an initial March 10 deadline for prospective private contractors. They have now extended the deadline to March 24.  

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 to work with their community to keep services public.

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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