For immediate release                                                    October 10, 2000

Ottawa -  "The privatization of federal public services is having a negative impact on services in communities across the country, as well as among workers employed in the federal sector, and we plan to continue the fight against privatization of services and contracting out," emphasizes National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, Nycole Turmel. "Our commitment to protecting public services is solid and unwavering."

Turmel was reacting to the announcement that Daryl Bean, the past-president of the PSAC, is advising Atco Frontec on issues affecting workers during any transition from the public to the private sector. Atco Frontec is a firm bidding on a Department of National Defence contract to manage supplies for Canadian military bases.

"Although Mr. Bean’s choice was a personal one, we have every reason to believe that he will use his position to influence the outcome for workers in a positive manner. During any bidding process, companies have choices with regard to the number of workers they will retain, compensation levels, and the like. It is beyond question that Mr. Bean will provide Atco Frontec with advice on how to secure the contract while protecting all acquired rights of the unionized workforce," explains Turmel.

"The PSAC policy remains the same and that is to fight privatization. Once the decision to privatize becomes clearly irreversible, our goal is to ensure that workers receive the best protection they can through their collective agreement."

"Unions, like the PSAC, exist to protect workers’ rights no matter the employer," emphasizes Turmel.

-30-

For more information call :

Nancy Mitchell - PSAC Communications - (613) 560-4235
or
Lois Ross, Coordinator of Communications & Political Action - (613)560-4280

51-101000