Bring it on home: How CUPE campaigns are keeping services public

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Throughout BC, CUPE members have been key players in the effort to keep services public or bring them back in-house. Our members have led effective campaigns to ensure that residents are getting cost-effective, transparent and reliable services. This compilation of stories, first published in CUPE BC’s Public Employee magazine, highlights some recent contracting-in success stories.

Showing EPCOR the door in White Rock

Water services in White Rock had always been privately owned and operated, but in late 2015 the City of White Rock voted unanimously to have CUPE workers operate it in-house.

Sooke wastewater cost savings too good to resist

The District of Sooke recently decided to end its wastewater contract with EPCOR, estimating that it could save approximately $225,000 annually by operating and maintaining the system itself.

Defeating P3s at the ballot box in Comox Valley

In June, an overwhelming majority of voters in communities in BC turned down a proposed P3 that would have seen the Comox Valley Regional District sign a 30-year contract with an unknown private for-profit corporation.

Recreation sector still at risk in Langley Township

Water and wastewater are not the only services where the tide is turning on privatization. Recreation is another sector where CUPE members have been actively campaigning to bring work back in-house.

Back in house report cover with six photos of municipal services

Back in house: Why local governments are bringing services home

This new report from the Columbia Institute is about the emerging trend of remunicipalization.