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.

Norfolk County The union, representing 260 Norfolk County workers, is demanding an apology from Mayor Rita Kalmbach over recent negative comments about by-law enforcement officers and parking tickets. The mayor is way out of line with her derogative and negative remarks, says Josie Marchesano, president of Local 4700 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). We dont make the law; our job is simply to enforce it. By-laws are endorsed by the mayor and council. If the mayor has a problem with the law, she can take it up with council. Stop attacking frontline workers who are just doing their job.

The temporary loss of parking spaces, due to reconstruction of Norfolk Street, has resulted in an increase in illegal parking on side streets, which includes blocking of a hydrant or a driveway for emergency vehicles. These infractions resulted in parking tickets issued by by-law officers, in accordance with local by-laws.

We want the mayor to recognize the damage she has done with her inappropriate and misinformed remarks, adds Marchesano. Recognizing her mistake and apologizing for her verbal attacks on workers is a first step to fostering a positive working relationship with our members.

Instead of offering a positive solution to a temporary parking problem, the mayor publicly blamed the by-law officers by accusing them of being slap-happy and having too much time on their hands. These public comments not only affect morale of the workers, but also undermine the credibility of workers doing their jobs for the benefit of all residents and ratepayers, says Marchesano. Our members are dedicated and hard working County employees.

Our priority is to maintain public safety and to ensure that our County is running smoothly and efficiently, says Marchesano. We follow the laws that are on the books we didnt draft those by-laws, and the mayor knows it. She does herself, and this community, a disservice by undermining County workers. Instead, she should be looking for solutions isnt that what she was elected for?

 -30-

For further information, please contact:

Josie Marchesano
President
CUPE Local 4700
519-429-9956 (cell)

Mike Walters
CUPE National Representative
905-575-5411 (office)