Tuesday, July 14, we had a rally for public water services in Port Colborne.
Concerned citizens, CUPE members from 1287 and other CUPE representatives, and members of ATU Local standing together to tell Port Colborne City Council that water is a public trust, not a corporate asset.
Local citizens deserve honest answers and transparency from their elected officials!
🚨Will Port Colborne commit that it will not pursue a Water and Wastewater Services Corporation? They promise an MSC wholly owned by the Corporation of the City of Port Colborne. Will they stand by their word?
🚨Will Council members, voted into power by their constituents commit to keeping our water and wastewater services directly accountable to the public? We’ve seen the devastation that occurs when public services are sold to private enterprise.
🚨Will Council commit to investing in public infrastructure before expanding corporate service models? Intelligent investment provides vital services to citizen taxpayers.
CUPE does the research, CUPE asks the questions, CUPE represents workers AND works hard for the citizens in our communities.
We want residents to know that approximately $10.8 million in development charge relief was provided for the battery plant. Residents deserve to know what public benefits were secured in return, and how those decisions affect future infrastructure funding and taxpayers.
CUPE brings the fight to parliament. CUPE confronts provincial leaders. Communities continue to struggle with funding essential water and wastewater infrastructure while significant public investments are being made in other projects.
CUPE 1287 is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with citizens and other unionists. Your voice matters. We keep asking the questions and holding elected officials accountable. Strong public services for strong communities!
Power to the people ✊
(with thanks to Krista Laing – CUPE Ontario Municipal Workers Chair)