Government workers to warn the public about the dangers of privatization

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, March 13, 2015 /CNW/ - Workers in the Ontario Public Service, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, will hold an information table to inform the public about the dangers of the privatization of public services and the adverse effects it will have on the local economy.

Date:	Saturday, March 14, 2015
Time:	10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location:	Mill Market, 35 Canal Drive, Sault Ste. Marie

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said that at the same time that the Wynne Liberals are slashing funding for much-needed public services, they are wasting billions on private sector contracts and spending billions more on corporate tax cuts.

"We have repeatedly told this government that our members can provide these services better and cheaper than the private sector," Thomas said. "Yet, Premier Kathleen Wynne wants to eliminate more public sector jobs, and outsource more of the services."

Jeff Arbus, OPSEU's Vice-President of the Sault region, said it's time that the people of Ontario demanded accountability and transparency in how their tax money is spent.

"Reports indicate that the Wynne government has either wasted or overspent more than $8.2 billion dollars on private contracts and corporations," Arbus said. "Imagine what just a portion of that money could do for jobs and public services in Sault Ste. Marie. If the Liberals really want to save public money and deliver public quality services, halting privatization and outsourcing is the first place to start."

OPSEU represents all frontline Ministry employees who work directly for the Ontario government. The current collective agreement expires Dec. 31, 2014.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Warren (Smokey) Thomas: 613-329-1931; Jeff Arbus: 705-255-0751