HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-12-23, Page 10Page 10 - Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, Decembei 23, 2009
Drive Test workers say privatization is prolonging strike
Cheryl Heath
sun media
Though a tentative agreement is on
the books, more than a dozen Drive Test
workers' supporters gathered at the Clin-
ton office on Monday morning in a show
of solidarity with the United Steel Work-
ers' Local 9511 ranks that have been out
of work for more than four months. "We're a very good example that priva-
Flanked by supporters, local Drive Test tization in this province does not work,"
worker Betty Maddox says the strike high- says Maddox, noting the province's plans
lights all that is wrong with privatization. to investigate privatizing LCBO, Hydro
"The last four months has been hard One, and other provincially run services
on everybody," says Maddox, noting the and organizations should be ringing alarm
strike has negatively impacted driving bells.
schools, Drive Test's 600 employees, the
trucking industry
and the thousands of
new drivers seeking
accreditation as well
as seniors who need
to retest.
In noting local
workers have par-
ticipated in protest
rallies at Queen's
Park, Maddox says
it is unfortunate the
Government of On-
tario, and particu-
larly Transportation
Minister Jim Brad-
ley, washed their
hands of the issue,
especially given the
government chose
to privatize the ser-
vice in 2003.
s a lovely time to express our wia es of thanks
friendship. It's been our pleasure to serve you alit
Thank you for your patronage.
Looking forward to seeing you in 2010.
Val Snippitty & families.
"We're a very good example that
privatization in this province
does not work"
- Betty Maddox
"It's going to take everyone stepping up
to the plate. Don't let our government do
this," says Maddox, adding that if privati-
zation goes ahead, there will be fewer jobs
for today's youth.
Further, says Maddox, the way Drive
Test's parent company, Serco DES Inc. of
the United Kingdom, has handled the situ-
ation should be the fuel used to keep the
company from renewing its contract with
the province.
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"We do not want Serco getting this con-
tract for another 10 years," she says, not-
ing negotiations are set to begin for the
next 10 -year contract in 2010.
Jim Vance, of the Huron and District
Labour Council, who was also on hand for
the demonstration, says the length of the
strike shows Serco was unwilling to ne-
gotiate.
"It's very tough being on strike," he
says. "A four-month strike is an extra long
strike"
Echoing Maddox's sentiments, Vance
says privatization does not benefit any-
one.
"It's all about profit," he says. "Forc-
ing people into poverty wages and taking
away benefits that are a normal part of
worker's rights."
He adds that if how the strike was han-
dled is any indication, Drive Test work-
ers, most of whom are now part-time, will
likely face more tough challenges in the
future.
Issues on the table include eliminating
full-time positions and cutting back on the
hours allowed for part-time staff from 22
to 10.
Drive Test workers are set to vote on the
tentative agreement on Dec. 30.
Every member of our team would like to thank all
of those who have pulled so hard for us this year.
It's been a privilege and a pleasure serving you.
We look forward to seeing you again in the new year.