CUPE logo
Glenbow Museum’s recent decision to save money by contracting out 26 security personnel positions will cost the museum in the long run says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
“I’m not sure Glenbow realizes the negative impact hiring contracted security will have on its operation and its exhibits” says CUPE Local 1645 president David Biggar. CUPE represents the Glenbow’s unionized staff and has criticized the institution for laying employees off in a bid to cut spending in 2009 2011 and 2012.
The union contends that Glenbow is using contractors who employ less-skilled marginalized workers with no museum experience at substantially lower wages with minimal to no health benefits.
But the Glenbow says replacing the 10 full-time and 16 casual positions with contracted security services will save it $250000 annually.
The museum has been trying to recover from serious budget deficits that began in 2009 and put the museum in the hole an average of $1.4 million every year until 2013. The staff changes are effective as of September 8. Glenbow’s 2013 annual report is due for release on September 17.
