Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-12-09, Page 13Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, December 9, 2009 - Page 13 Drive Test employees disheartened at bargaining table Cheryl Heath sun media They want to head back to the bargaining table. Indeed, after more than 15 weeks in a lock- out/strike situation, the province's 600 Drive Test employees are eager to find a resolution to issues that have been plaguing them since the province downloaded the service to a private United Kingdom -based contractor, Serco DES Inc., in 2003. It was then, say union officials, that the pri- vate company began systematically down- sizing staff and changing full-time positions into part-time ones while arguing, in some quarters, that the work is seasonal. Part of the sad reality for the strikers is there has been little media attention and a lot of misunderstanding about why Drive Test workers are not on the job. "It's not about money at all," says Kathy Doupe, a part-time Drive Test employee in Clinton. "It's about job security. .'Priority." Indeed, she says, the new normal at Drive Test offices is to do away with full-time po- sitions in favour of part-time ones with the resulting effect that a Day One employee is viewed with the same seniority as a long- term employee. Further, notes Doupe, the private contrac- tor is offering up only 10 hours of guaran- teed work each week, down from the current standard of 22 hours. More evidence of the private contractor's long-range plans for long-term employees, she says, can be seen in the fact that 800 people were employed in Drive Test offices when the Ministry of Transportation Ontario operated it, while today there are only 600 people left and about half of those positions are part-time. To add to the frustration, says Doupe, is Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) seem to have washed their hands of the strike/lockout since the service was handed over to a private contractor. And yet, she notes, there must be some understanding that it is a vital service given that MTO held onto one Drive Test office, which is located at Queen's Park. Betty Maddox, a 22 -year full-time Drive Test employee, notes the strike is having a far-reaching impact on Ontarians ranging from truckers who are unable to acquire accreditation to seniors who have been in- structed to retest for varying reasons. The strike is also killing driving schools since students don't see the value in learning how to drive when a licence cannot be issued due to the strike/lockout. Drive Test workers note the private con- tractor's unfolding process of opening a select few offices, manned by managers, is unfair because the offices don't offer the full range of services needed by Ontarians. Union members also point out the company is inviting employees to cross the picket line, but they are not budging when it comes time Mansbridge tickets still available Award-winning broadcaster and CBC na- personal interviews with leaders from Cana- tional news anchor, Peter Mansbridge, will da and around the world. make a special appearance at a Goderich Ro- Tickets for the event are $20 and can be tary Club charity breakfast Monday Dec. 14 purchased at Finchers, Scotia Bank, TD and tickets for the event are still available. Canada Trust, McGee Motors, Bluewater The local service club is expecting up to Cleaners or from any Goderich Rotary Club 500 patrons for the breakfast featuring Mans- member. Some tickets may be available at bridge at the Knights of Columbus Hall on the door for $30. Parsons Court beginning at 7 a.m. The breakfast begins at 7 a.m. and Mans - As well as being the morning's keynote bridge will speak at 8 a.m. speaker, the CBC news anchor will also be A book signing session will follow the signing his latest book, Peter Mansbridge, event and Mansbridge's latest book will be One on One, a collection of revealing and available for sale. Pct THEE t:_,. 1112 DW i Cade Dance i,1gfhnxighthe Decodes fo200 iUlrsday, December 31st, 2009 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. The Livery, Goderich (*etc $30 includes Lunch at Midnight, of champagne, nibblers throughout the ing, Mus*' provided by Dile Ball Dress Formal or Inspired Tickets mailable at the 1J' er j, 519-524-6262 or a -mail lisa@theliWer9 f • to negotiate with Drive Test workers' pres- ent-day union, the United Steel Workers, Local 9511. "They're hurting our members when they're really vulner- able," notes Maddox. "We want to go back to work." Unfortunately, says Maddox, the work- ers' pleas are falling on unlistening ears at Queen's Park since even Transportation Minister Jim Bradley seems reluctant to get involved. For now, Drive Test workers are hop- ing the general public will step up and join them in their lobby- ing campaign to get Serco back to the bar- gaining table. Drive Test staff ask those wishing to help to contact their local MPP and Serco DES Inc. at 1888 570-6110 or via e-mail, Cus- tomerComments @ drivetest.ca Paul Dalglish, managing director for Drive Test/Serco DES Inc., could not be reached for comment as of press time. Jlappy jIo lida ys from Greyhaven Gardens We neje c&/ Aid vallable by calling 519423-978' Londesboro GODERICH PLACE RETIREMENT RENTAL REWARD S .fr..1 t ' L._ Goderich Place RETIREMENT RESIDENCE RETIREMENT LIFE st LIMITED TIME OFFER! $200.00 loN 11 ! 1 _)It I IF IS r YEAR • t, Units C)nly • Studios and One Bedrooms REYY RVAIION REQUIRED Bl" DE( (5?/ee_aeadO/e, ,7//zete, Wa," INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING • Full range of suites available • Flexible service & health care packages • Housekeeping and laundry • Beautiful dining room serving 3 meals daily • Professionally trained health care team on duty 24 hours a day . • In -House Doctor • Monthly foot care • 24/7 security and emergency response • Year-round recreational and social events • On-site hair salon • Elevator and underground parking • Public Transit available VISIT EOR A REWARDING LIFESTYLE! 30 Balvina Drive East, Goderich CALL TO BOOK YOUR NO OBLIGATION TOUR 519- 524-4243 www.goderichplace.com • ASK SALES REP FOR DETAILS. Rendering is artist's concept. Prices. sites and specifications are subject to change without notice, E.&O.E.