Kingston City Council has passed a resolution asking the provincial government to reconsider its decision to privatize large sections of the Ministry of Transportation.

Some 200 of the jobs set for privatization are based in Kingston.

Region 4 Executive Board Member Bob Eaton spearheaded a presentation to the municipal council, predicting that Kingston could take a $15 million hit in the process, not counting economic spin-offs.

Kingston Councillor Bill Campbell told a local newspaper that the privatization would mean a loss of well-paying jobs in the community. He was particularly concerned about the loss of jobs held by people with physical challenges.

OPSEU President Leah Casselman congratulated the members who worked to make the Kingston presentation, and urged others affected by the MTO privatization to approach their municipal councils as well.

Here is the text of the resolution passed by the Kingston council:

WHEREAS the December, 2000, announcement of massive privatization of Ministry of Transportation services will have a significant detrimental effect on the economy of Kingston and other communities;

AND WHEREAS the employees of the Ministry of Transportation are recognized to have provided excellent public service;

AND WHEREAS the City of Kingston needs to retain decent paying jobs in order to maintain economic viability and stability;

AND WHEREAS the Provincial Government’s Ministry of Transportation staff have provided and efficient and effective public service that emphasized public safety and integrity;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Kingston request that:

1. The Government of Ontario reconsider its decision to privatize the Licensing and Control and Driver Examiners;
2. Further that the Government of Ontario ensure the continued location of service to be in Kingston; and
3. Further that the Government of Ontario ensure that no existing employment positions for disabled adults be eliminated as a result of the direction to privatize.

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Ontario Public Service Employees Union, 100 Lesmill Rd. Toronto, ON M3B 3P8  (416) 443-8888  www.opseu.org