Alberta’s union movement is standing up for public transit

Edmonton – Hundreds of concerned Albertans and union members will rally today at noon at city hall in protest of privatization of the South East extension of the LRT, and demand accountability from City Council for the decision.

The decision, made by council earlier this year to privatize the operation and maintenance of the new line running from Millwoods into the downtown, was met with grave concern by supporters of public transit.

“This decision is not something Edmontonians will let slide. If city councillors think we haven’t noticed that they’ve opened the doors for further privatization of our public transit system, they’re wrong. And we’re here today to make sure they listen” said Gil McGowan, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour which represents 160,000 workers across the province.

A recent Environics poll revealed 64 per cent of people surveyed disagree that turning over operations of the southeast LRT to a private corporation is the correct decision. With municipal election campaigns gearing up in just a few weeks workers of Alberta have decided to come together and with one voice send a strong message against P3s.

The rally will be held in front of city hall starting at noon on Friday, April 26, 2013.

Speakers will include:

Gil McGowan of the Alberta Federation of Labour
Marle Roberts and Mike Scott from CUPE
Stu Litwinowich from ATU 569
Deron Bilous from the Alberta NDP

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Olav Rokne, AFL Communications Director at 780-289-6528 (cell) or via email orokne@afl.org.