Representatives of the Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés de Montréal, CUPE 301, will be sounding the alarm this evening at city council against the end of patrolling by security guards. Although no jobs will be lost, since the people holding these positions will be given other duties, this decision will have serious repercussions for safety.
“That’s what’s called ‘penny-wise, but pound-foolish!’” condemns Jean-Pierre Lauzon, president of CUPE 301. “Who will be keeping an eye on the water treatment plants, swimming pools and municipal buildings? It’s the police and fire departments who will now be responding to those calls. But eliminating patrols won’t save money; higher-paid workers will be investigating the calls instead. That’s just moving the budget around!”
Real safety and public service issues arise when there are no patrols. In October 2024, La Presse reported on how security guards were overwhelmed by the many thrill-seeking teenagers who venture into abandoned buildings, risking their lives in the process. And what about all those who try to get into public swimming pools when there are no lifeguards on duty?
“It’s not enough to just respond to incidents,” says the labour organization president. “We must prevent incidents. That’s what patrols are for! The city has critical facilities that our security guards know like the back of their hand and we’re going to lose that expertise.”