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It’s time to privatize city transit in Saskatoon.

All of the wasted time, discussion, lock-outs, newspaper ink, posturing and hand-wringing come down to one issue: the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) wants you, the taxpayer, to pay for its potential pension deficit and fully fund its members’ retirements.

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The issue can be summarized in three simple sentences. Prior to 2012, you (the taxpayer) had to pay for any city pension plan deficit to ensure city staff received their full and generous pension upon retirement. After 2012, the city renegotiated union contracts so if there is a future pension liability, both you (the taxpayer) and the union members must now equally pay for any potential deficit. Eight of the nine city unions agreed to jointly pay; however, the ATU refuses and says, if there is a deficit, only taxpayers should have to foot the bill.

That’s it.

Many are unaware that the City of Saskatoon has been quietly privatizing public services for the past 10 years or so, striving to create a successful balance between internal and external service providers.

Snow clearing? At least 50 per cent of the city’s snow clearing is completed by private contractor.

Waste removal? One hundred per cent of curbside recycling is serviced by a private contractor.