The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is considering pursuing alternative service delivery options for certain municipal services.
In a media release on February 29th, the RMWB says they have served notice to CUPE 1505 of their consideration of potentially outsourcing some municipal services following a comprehensive internal review of municipal operations.
According to the RMWB, the main services being considered include:
- Fleet Services
- Solid Waste Services
- Bylaw Services’ Custodian Services
- Bylaw Services’ Guards
- Public Works’ Roads and Parks services
- Trades services
- The Pulse
- Additional impacts across the organization as a result of the above considerations
The RMWB says they are also planning organizational changes, including restructuring and centralization of services aimed at further enhancing operational effectiveness.
“Efficiencies are being looked at organization-wide, will span all employee groups including exempt staff, and will be dependent on the outcomes of collaboration with the Union,” reads the release.
“These changes will be approached with a focus on supporting and minimizing impacts on staff as much as possible, while maintaining important public services for the region.”
The Municipality says that over the next 120 days, they will be engaging in discussions with CUPE 1505 Executive, reviewing alternative proposals, and ensuring that decisions are made with transparency and fairness.
“The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is committed to its employees and the Region we serve,” said Henry Hunter, Chief Administrative Officer.
“We will be working with CUPE 1505 over the next 120-days in a collaborative fashion, while ensuring we remain focused on long-term sustainability of the services we deliver.” The RMWB says it remains dedicated to transparency and will provide updates to employees and the public as the process unfolds.