NLIS 8
May 30, 2005
(Transportation and Works)
Details of winterization
of depots outlined
Today, the Department of
Transportation and Works outlined the details of the winterization of
certain depots in various locations throughout the province.
�Our government allocated significant monies to our provincial roads
network in Budget 2005,� said Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation
and Works. �However, we want to ensure that our roads maintenance
program is operating effectively and efficiently today and into the
future. Therefore, as I announced previously, we are consolidating some
depot operations in order to deliver a more efficient service, while
ensuring there is an effective, reliable and safe transportation system
for the citizens of the province.�
Under the winterization of certain depots, government is consolidating
summer maintenance staff and reducing summer depot operations from 44 to
31 locations. These changes mean that approximately 85 positions are
converted from year round to winter seasonal.
Depots in the following locations will be winterized:
� Torbay
� Avondale
� Heart�s Content
� Placentia
� Bellevue
� Boat Harbour
� Port Rexton
� New World Island
� Northern Arm
� La Scie
� Roddickton
� Rocky Harbour
� Steel Mountain
Any monies saved through the
winterization of depots will be reinvested in materials for the
department�s summer maintenance program. Minister Rideout said, �This
move is not about saving money. It is about investing our resources
where they will be most effectively utilized. As I�ve said previously,
government regrets any negative impact these changes will have on our
employees. However, we will help affected employees by providing
benefits in accordance with the particular collective agreement under
which they are currently working.�
Minister Rideout explained that these changes in no way impact on winter
operations. �Under this approach, all 44 depots will be operational
during the winter months and will continue to be staffed at regular
levels during those months. The changes are about realigning
departmental operations to more effectively service the public and make
better use of existing resources for summer maintenance�
�Our government feels that this plan is in the best interest of our
roads maintenance program and the traveling public,� said the minister.
�We are committed to making strategic investments that lead to better
results over the long-term.�
Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015,
690-8403
2005 05 30
3:20 p.m. |