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Red Deer Transit workers authorize strike action if City refuses to address concerns

Published

1 year ago

2 minute read

Submitted by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 569

Red Deer Transit Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Authorize Strike

ATU Local 569 Members Frustrated by City’s stall tactics at bargaining table

Pushed to the brink by the City of Red Deer’s refusal to negotiate a contract for fair wages, fair scheduling, improved health measures, and other issues, Red Deer Transit workers voted 99% in favour of strike action in their dispute with the City.

The contract between the workers’ union, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 569-Edmonton, AB, and the City expired on December 31, 2022, and the parties have been in negotiations since then.

“The City has refused to negotiate beyond their unilaterally set mandate,” said Local 569 President/Business Agent Steve Bradshaw. “It’s as if we can only negotiate by their rules and within their artificially set limits. They’ve built a brick wall and are huddled up behind it.”

When asked what issues are still outstanding, Red Deer Union Representative Lawanda Ramsey said that there are many outstanding issues, like forcing people into part-time positions, working them six days a week, and wages.

“We were there on the frontline throughout the pandemic and accepted zeros two years in a row while the inflation rate soared to 6 and 8 percent,” Bradshaw continued. “Now that the City is in a better financial position, they expect us to take sub-inflation increases.”

The mediator filed his report and the provincially mandated “cooling off” period is underway.

“Our Union uses a full strike only as a last resort since we don’t want to abandon our riders who depend on us. If the City of Red Deer continues to refuse to come to the table to address our concerns and treat our members like the heroes they are, we will take action,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Rest assured, our Local 569 members at Red Deer Transit have the full support of our members across Canada and the U.S.”

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Red Deer

Red Deer Advocate will print just twice a week starting next month

Published on September 17, 2024

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Evolution coming to Red Deer Advocate print publication

The Red Deer Advocate is evolving. To better serve residents of Central Alberta, we’re transitioning to a new publishing schedule. Starting the first week of October, we’ll print the Advocate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Our commitment to daily news coverage remains strong, and you can continue to stay updated online every day at www.reddeeradvocate.com.

“We’re making this change to focus our efforts on providing more in-depth local news, insightful analysis, and engaging stories,” said publisher Daria Zmiyiwsky. Our Tuesday, Thursday and Friday edition will be discontinued, effective October 2.

Moving to a bi-weekly paper is the biggest change in the Red Deer Advocate’s 117-year history. The decision is a strategic move to maximize the sustainability of the current newspaper and ensure it will continue well into the future.

For over a century, the Advocate has been a steadfast voice for Central Alberta, covering local, provincial, and national news. We’ve witnessed and documented history’s highs and lows, from world wars to economic shifts. We’ve held those in power accountable, championed transparency, and celebrated the incredible achievements of our community. As well, we have shared personal and collective tragedies and triumphs.

With the continued support from the people of our communities, the Advocate will continue to celebrate our rights and expose the wrongs, cheer for our teams, honour our citizens, and support our communities, local businesses,  organizations, and non-profits.

“While we’re saddened to end our daily print edition, our news team is excited to focus on providing even deeper coverage of Red Deer and the surrounding area,” said Managing Editor, Byron Hackett.

“We’ll continue to deliver comprehensive news daily online and twice weekly in print, ensuring we remain your trusted source of local information.”

Readers can expect the same great coverage of local news, sports, entertainment, leisure, obits, and classifieds, event announcements, and much more.

Zmiyiwsky is committed to the community and our loyal readers.

“It’s the people of Red Deer and Central Alberta that drive the Advocate,” she said. “We are simply a vessel to carry those stories to our dedicated readers and we will work diligently to grow and ensure the Advocate remains an integral voice in our community.”

Regards,

Byron Hackett
Managing Editor, Red Deer Advocate

Daria Zmiyiwsky
President – Black Press Media Prairies
Publisher – The Red Deer Advocate

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City of Red Deer

City Council looking for options to reduce hundreds of encampments

Published on September 14, 2024

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New actions for response to urban encampments being considered by City Council

New actions for The City’s response to urban encampments will be considered by Council on Monday, with a focus on interim and long-term solutions to homelessness. The proposed actions include everything from maintaining a balanced mitigation strategy to exploring interim housing solutions.

The report comes in response to Councillor Lee’s Notice of Motion re: Urban Encampment Responses that Council approved during the 2024 budget debate. The report reviews the past five years of data, analyzes service levels, and evaluates Corporate Administrative Policy 3141C – Urban Encampment Response. The key recommendations in the report focus on providing a balanced approach to mitigating the effects of encampments while working towards long-term solutions for homelessness. These recommendations include:

  • Consistent Mitigation: Maintain The City’s current approach to encampment responses, ensuring the most balanced mitigation strategy available at this time to protect public lands while supporting vulnerable individuals.
  • Advocacy for Shelter Strategy: Council will continue to advocate to the Government of Alberta for a comprehensive shelter strategy, including the development of a low-barrier 24/7 emergency shelter with a Recovery-Oriented System of Care.
  • Review of Transitional Housing: Request that the Housing and Homelessness Integrated Committee (HHIC) review the potential for new transitional housing infrastructure as an interim solution to support individuals transitioning out of homelessness.

“The City’s current policy is still achieving its target of having sites cleaned within 14 days. Despite a substantial increase in encampments, responses have continued to be increasingly efficient, largely due to enhanced relationships and experience levels,” said Jodi Kelloway, Acting Superintendent, Social Wellness and Integration Supports. “In recent months, we have seen a significant rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness, with shelters operating at or near capacity. Many individuals living in encampments have limited or no alternative options available. It is important that we continue to improve our response while building capacity within the housing continuum that considers current realities and the unique needs of community members who are unsheltered. The actions we propose in today’s report are about building and expanding on what we already do.”

Under the current policy, The City has a level of service that urban encampments, debris, and belongings are to be removed within 14 days of an initial report, 90 per cent of the time. While The City’s current response to urban encampments is effective, with 98 per cent of camps being cleaned up within 14 days, the number of encampments continues to rise. In 2023 alone, 881 encampments were dismantled, with a projected overall increase of 75 per cent by the end of 2024.

Costs related to encampment clean-up have reached approximately $2.87 million over the last five years, shared among several City departments, including Parks, Public Works, and Emergency Services. Despite increased efficiency, the growing number of encampments presents ongoing challenges and concerns.

The City’s Encampment Assertive Outreach team continues to engage individuals living in encampments, providing referrals to social and housing services. However, the report notes that many individuals face barriers to accessing shelter due to personal circumstances, such as the need for privacy, the ability to be with their partners, accommodation for pets or possessions, highlighting the ongoing need for tailored solutions.

Councillor Lee’s January 8, 2024, Notice of Motion called for administration to consider the following:

  • Reducing the time to dismantle encampments.
  • Preventing establishment of encampments.
  • Connecting rough sleepers with social supports and understanding overall community shelter capacity.
  • Develop recommendations for individuals setting up or using encampments to encourage them to seek alternative shelter.
  • How much money The City has spent on the cleanup of encampments over the past five years, and how much subsidy, if any, has been provided by other levels of government.
  • Including the continuum of housing that is currently available in Red Deer and what is needed.
  • That Administration report to council on the progress of the review of Corporate Administrative Policy 3141C – Urban Encampment Response”.

“The City of Red Deer is committed to supporting the health and safety of those sleeping rough, citizens who are enjoying parks, trails and public spaces, and staff responding to encampments,” said City Manager Tara Lodewyk. “Unfortunately, urban encampment work is a very short-term solution to a very complex health, housing, and public safety need in our community. The ability to reduce homelessness in Red Deer is significantly impacted by the lack of affordable and supportive housing supply. Until this is resolved, we will continue in this cycle of clean up.”

More detailed information is available in the City Council report located on the Council Meetings and Schedule page.

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