Instead of continuing to take steps to protect jobs and services in the Peel Region, which began when workers successfully prevented its dissolution in December, there are concerns about a rumored plan, says CUPE 966.
“We consistently raised our concerns that we might lose our jobs if Peel was dissolved; that the public services we’re proud to deliver in our communities would be jeopardized; and that a dissolution would open the door to privatization,” said Salil Arya, president of CUPE 966, which represents 3,500 members in the Region, and with about 318 members at public works in Peel. “And now that critical Regional services could be downloaded onto the cities, with little clarity on whether public ownership will be maintained, job security, and whether downloading services makes sense cost-wise, it looks like we’ll have to continue raising our concerns.”
The same transition board that was initially tasked with assessing the risks and benefits of dissolution, is now responsible for providing recommendations on the transfer of the following services from the Region of Peel to the City of Mississauga, the City of Brampton, and the Town of Caledon: land use planning; water and wastewater (including stormwater); regional roads; and waste management.
“Just looking at one of these services, let’s remember that Peel has the second largest water and wastewater system in Ontario,” said Arya. “What, exactly, will a shakeup mean for it? Will we lose this system to a private company? What would that mean for revenue, for jobs, for the services the residents rely on? These are the questions we’ll be asking of the transition board and of elected representatives in the weeks and months to come.”
The transition board’s recommendations are due to the Minister by Spring 2024.