31 jobs, including 311 operators, could be cut in Windsor's new budget, union says

A city union fears that 31 City of Windsor workers, including some at 311, could be out of their jobs if Windsor's 2026 budget passes in its current form.

Angela Sbrocca is the national representative and administrator for CUPE Local 543, which represents about 1,400 inside workers at the City of Windsor. 

She says members are “extremely concerned" about the budget. The union recently spoke with the city about it, she said, and although about 16 new jobs will be added to her unit, others will be eliminated. 

“Unfortunately, overall, the news is not positive,” Sbrocca said. “I don't know any specifics about any jobs yet because everything we are told still needs to pass through council at this point, so everything's a number, an idea, but subject to change.

"There are about 19 vacant positions that they intend to eliminate. And then there are about 31 positions altogether that people are currently in that they are expected, at this point, to eliminate. And that includes people who work in 311, which we're currently dealing with through a contracting out proposal."

A city spokesperson declined an interview until after city councillors have deliberated on the budget, and did not respond to a request for a statement on the union's claim.

The city has put out a request for proposals for the operation of 311, which is now closed.

In September, the city said it was considering outsourcing 311 to save more than $530,000, and at the time Sbrocca said the move would impact about a dozen full-time jobs.

This week, the city said the evaluation committee is reviewing the RFP submissions and a report is anticipated this spring.

CBC News had previously reported that 14 jobs would be created in this budget while 24 vacant jobs would be eliminated or held open without funding.

WATCH | City of Windsor to detail staff changes in new budget:

City of Windsor to detail staffing changes in new budget

January 7|

Duration 3:32

Following concerns over transparency, the City of Windsor says it will make public more than half of the 54 budget issues that were previously slated to be discussed by council and select staff privately, known as in camera. Those items include proposed jobs cuts and additions to the city's workforce. Chris Ensing reports.

Sbrocca said the membership had an idea that vacant positions could be eliminated, but they are also dealing with stress and burnout from taking on extra work as a result of the vacant positions.

"We are concerned that things are still moving ahead at this pace, but they have told us nothing, nothing is quite done yet."