Premature closing of highway depots meant that in some areas snow clearing operators were unavailable as they had been laid off.
St. John's (11 May 2009) - The president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) is raising concerns about the safety of the province's highways following last weekend's unexpected snowfall in western and central regions of the province.
According to Carol Furlong, the premature closing of highway depots meant that in some areas snow clearing operators were unavailable as they had been laid off.
"We have repeatedly told the provincial government that closing the highway depots is a foolhardy plan which has to be rescinded," said Furlong.
NAPE successfully challenged in arbitration the government's decision to close 13 highway depots during the summer months. The provincial government has responded to the decision by referring the matter to the provincial court and the parties are now waiting on a ruling.
Furlong stated, "With the continued threat of snowstorms the province doesn't have the luxury of closing down highway depots to save money. It is ironic that the government has budgeted a significant amount of money this year for highway construction yet appear to be playing Russian roulette with the travelling public and highway safety by laying off highway workers at a time when weather conditions remain uncertain."
"Our roads are in desperate need of maintenance throughout the year and keeping depots open would not only address year round maintenance concerns but would ensure workers are available for snow clearing when unexpected weather calls for safety measures," she explained.
NAPE is calling on the Minister of Transportation and Works to immediately review this decision.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
