Help stop privatization of corrections food services in Saskatchewan

Help us stop the privatization of food services in corrections and young offender facilities in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Join the Lobby Day Blitz on March 14. Speak out for the jobs of 64 corrections food services staff, and the future of our public services.

Regina (13 Mar. 2014) — The Saskatchewan government is determined to privatize corrections and young offender food services despite concerns about escalating costs, safety risks and a loss of public accountability.  A Request for Proposals was issued February 25 to companies interested in taking over the full management and operations of the food services in the adult corrections and young offender centres in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. The closing date is April 8, 2014.

Privatization of public services cost the public more and put safety at risk

The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU/NUPGE) has been raising flags about this move since news of it started circulating.

"Experience with prison privatization in other jurisdictions shows that contracting out food services costs more, not less," according to SGEU President Bob Bymoen. "Independent audits in Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky have revealed a disturbing trend of over-charging and extra-billing for meals never served," Bymoen points out.  An independent cost-value analysis of a private corrections food service contract in Florida in 2007 showed that the state would save $7 million annually by bringing the service back in-house.

Campaign started to stop the privatization of correctional food services

On March 14, people concerned about the decision to contract out food service  in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert will be joining forces on a lobby day blitz to convince Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) that privatization is not the answer. SGEU/NUPGE is asking as many people as possible to call, email, write, or visit their MLA to tell them to stop corrections kitchen privatization.

The union has provided fact sheets to help people participate in the lobby day:

Campaign fact sheet: Stop privatization of corrections food services

Sample questions to ask your MLA

Download the complete lobby kit

SGEU/NUPGE has also launched a new radio ad to tell the public who really benefits when it comes to privatization of public services: corporations. Listen now.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE