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News conference to announce ‘winning’ solid waste bidder ought to wait
until council has “Performed Due Diligence,” says Mark Ferguson
TORONTO, ON – Mark Ferguson, President of the Toronto Civic Employees Union, Local 416 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 416) is reminding Mayor Rob Ford today that it is City Council — and not members of his hand-picked Executive Committee that will make the final decision on whether to contract out solid waste collection west of Yonge Street.
“It is premature for Denzil Minnan-Wong to announce the so-called ‘winning’ bidder today, a week before Council has had a chance to review all of the bids and perform the due diligence necessary before making such an important decision,” said Ferguson.
“Council made it very clear over the summer that the final decision rests with them—not the Mayor or his Administration. Given the fact that in the past year, the Mayor has been wrong about the rivers of ‘gravy’ he claimed flowed beneath City Hall, wrong about the waterfront, and wrong when he promised ‘no service cuts—guaranteed,’ it’s hardly surprising that people are wondering whether he’s wrong on contracting out, too,” he added.
A report issued just prior to today’s news conference indicates Administration will recommend the City enter into a nine-year contract for solid waste collection with GFL Environmental East Corporation.
“Council will vote on this recommendation in a week, but many questions about this bid remain unanswered,” said Ferguson.
“What is GFL’s history and record like in other municipalities? What ties do they have to other firms? What is their record as an employer? Most important of all, does GFL’s track record justify handing over nearly $200 million over the next seven to nine years, or would the City be better off sitting down with the people who deliver the same service in-house and exploring ways to deliver the service in a better and more cost-effective manner?”
CUPE 416 represents 6,000 City of Toronto outside workers performing a wide range of duties across the community, including solid waste, Emergency Medical Services, parks maintenance, animal services and road maintenance.
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For more information, contact:
Mark Ferguson, CUPE 416 President, 416-602-8561
Kevin Wilson, CUPE Communications, 416-821-6641
