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SYDNEY The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is heading into court again this time over the contracting out of computer services.
Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Rep Jacquie Bramwell says the CBRM violated the collective agreement by transferring employees out of their jobs and refusing to post new positions when it contracted out the work of its technology department. A total of fifteen grievances have been filed.
There is no doubt in the unions mind the grievances are winnable, says Bramwell. But the bigger crime is the fact that the municipality has skilled and qualified employees on staff who can do the computer work, yet the CBRM has chosen to contract this work out.
Not only is the CBRM paying double for the work, but it will pay thousands in legal and arbitration fees, Bramwell adds. The employer is being penny-wise and pound foolish.
Bramwell says a report by KPMG which recommended keeping these same computer services in house was approved by CBRM council in the spring of last year.
Do the mayor and council even know what is going on in this municipality? she asks. Who gave the order to do this?
For more information please call Jacquie Bramwell at 902-539-4933.