Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.

ALBERTA-With Glenbow Museum’s recent announcement that it will start contracting out its security services, resulting in the loss of 26 employees, CUPE is preparing to fight for its members.

Sanford Lee, a CUPE National Representative in the Calgary Area Office said, “This proposed organizational change is a desperate attempt by the museum to recoup costs as attendance has been trending down since 2004, as well as revenues from admissions, memberships and commercial activities.”

“Moreover, Glenbow has been running a deficit since 2008. Unfortunately, management has done little to increase revenues. Instead, they have been blaming CUPE members for their financial woes,” Lee said.

“Management should focus on generating revenue and finding exhibitions that Calgarians want to see, rather than cutting staff members who have remained loyal and dedicated employees to the museum.” 

The question remains; will these potential layoffs actually solve the problem long term? Furthermore, how will these cuts affect the service and quality of the experience for visitors?

Lee said, “The employer is making this decision based on cost, nothing more, which is short-sighted.”

“Glenbow is not considering how these members and their families will be affected financially, as well as how the organization will be negatively affected. We have raised these concerns, but thus far, it has fallen on deaf ears,” Lee said. 

“Currently, Glenbow has 13 managers in place. Why is this not being looked at as a potential cost savings?”.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about the impact of this proposed organizational change, please contact Sanford Lee at slee@cupe.ca.

CUPE represents workers in health care, emergency services, education, early learning and child care, municipalities, social services, libraries, utilities, transportation, airlines and more. 

Contact :
Naomi Mison
CUPE National, Communications Representative
780.885.3956
nmison@cupe.ca