CUPE 37, Calgary’s outside workers, is running a campaign asking Calgarians to call 3-1-1 if their parks are not being properly maintained. The City contracted out irrigation and maintenance services in parks in five wards and when private contractors couldn’t get the job done, city workers were called in.
“Private contractors are not being held accountable,” says Kevin Galley, CUPE 37 president. “We’re asking people to call the City at 3-1-1 and let them know when the work isn’t being done properly.”
CUPE Local 37 ran a full-page newspaper ad last week and are also distributing a flyer with a full list of the parks where services were privatized. The brochure gives contact info so that people can either call their elected alderman or use the 3-1-1 City number to lodge a complaint.
“Children need parks that are safe and clean,” said Galley. “It’s important to track service shortfalls caused by privatization.”
The Local hopes to put the brakes on further plans to privatize public services in Calgary.
