TORONTO — Longer waits, chaos and higher user fees are in store for drivers in line for driving tests, says the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.
This weekend, the operation of Ontario’s Driver Examination Services will pass to a private operator, Serco (Drive Test), based in England. The company opens for business Sept. 2.
“Private companies have to get their profits,” said OPSEU President Leah Casselman. “They usually do this by cutting staff costs and raising user fees.”
For the public, privatization means higher fees and longer waiting times. At least 100 experienced examiners have not been re-hired. Many of the locations are changing, causing confusion and possible delays. Similarly, Ontarians have seen user fees escalate out of control on Hwy. 407, the province’s only privately owned highway.
For OPSEU members, it means loss of collective bargaining rights, wage cuts, and reduced pensions and benefits.
OPSEU represents about 700 driver examiner centre staff across the province.
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For further information:
Paul Dunseith, 519-766-5573
Stefan Michnowiec 416-305-7155
David Cox, OPSEU Communications, 1-800-268-3578
Or see: http://www.opseu.org/campaign/mtodecindex.htm
