Yesterday afternoon, Transportation and Public Works (TPH) Minister Ron Russell sent a letter stating that the Conservative government will not go ahead with large-scale privatization pilot projects in four districts.
This is welcome news not only for the highway workers who are committed to keeping our roads safe, but also for Nova Scotia taxpayers, says Gareth Drinnan, president of CUPE Local 1867. Its about time the government came to its senses and realized that public sector workers can do a better job and save taxpayers money.
In the letter sent by E-mail to TPH field staff, the Minister states: I can tell you that I have decided not to proceed with pilot projects for the provision of complete maintenance services in the four districts of the province. The Minister does not explain his about-turn on the issue, but Drinnan cites the highway workers Roads Are Not a Private Matter campaign as a major factor.
Across the province, our members were knocking on doors, approaching politicians and soliciting community leaders for support, he says. Nova Scotians were informed about what was going on and there was no way the Minister could ignore it.
Unfortunately, the Ministers letter doesnt mean the spectre of roadwork privatization is gone for good. In his statement, Russell goes on to say, there may still be some services and or portions thereof that can be more effectively provided by other means.
In response, the highway workers will continue to offer public sector solutions to any future privatization proposals.
For more information, please contact:
Gareth Drinnan in Halifax at 832-1867