In what seems like record time, outside workers in the Region of Durham, Ont. were able to stop plans to privatize a recycling facility.
The region notified CUPE Local 1785 that it intended to issue a request for proposals for a new state-of-the-art facility to be built and operated by a private contractor. CUPE members would be reassigned instead of getting the jobs.
The local responded quickly with a letter outlining CUPEs longstanding objections to P3s and contracting out, arguing theyre a bad deal for taxpayers, with higher costs and poorer service in the long term. Their arguments obviously had an impact. Within a week, Local 1785 had a signed memorandum of agreement that the facility will be publicly owned and operated by regional employees.
The win shows that fighting back is always worth it. Like the ads say, you cant win if you dont play!