“Spit on, punched, abused verbally on the streets while they’re trying to do their job,” those were the shocking words of Huntsville Councillor Monty Clouthier referring to public works employees and contractors.
Clouthier and Councillor Jason FitzGerald brought forward a motion at the April 27 meeting of Huntsville Council, asking their colleagues to support the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors’ calls to action to improve protections for municipal public works workers and subcontractors.
The motion states that aggression towards public works employees has increased across the province, with municipalities reporting an increase in “harassment, threats, intimidation, and dangerous interference from members of the public directed at municipal workers and subcontractors while they perform their duties…”
It calls on the province of Ontario to introduce legislative and enforcement measures that:
- Recognize municipal public works workers and contractors as essential service providers during declared significant weather events and emergencies;
- Deter and penalize interference, threats, harassment, or obstruction of municipal operations; and
- Provide clear direction and support to police services to proactively respond to these incidents.
“You can’t go to the bank and do that to anybody or anybody else, especially when our employees are there doing a service for them, and they’re abusing them, so this way here it just gives us something more to stand on,” said Clouthier, adding that passing the motion would show council stands behind its employees.
“You know, everywhere we go now, there’s signs that rudeness won’t be tolerated… and for some reason, there’s members of the public that think because someone’s in a truck or in a culvert or on a road doing some asphalt work, they don’t deserve that same respect. So this is to try to reinforce that and create awareness and keep our people safe,” added FitzGerald.
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock thanked the councillors for bringing the motion forward. “I absolutely support it. It’s unfortunate that it’s necessary, but it is, and it’s really important to show support for our staff as well.”
Councillor Helena Renwick also said she agrees with the motion. “I was shocked to hear that it was happening, and I’m very disappointed in the public, certain people in the public, who are doing this. Our frontline workers are really the face of the organization in many cases, right? They’re out there doing the things that they have to, and it’s unfortunate that we have to even consider this, but I’m glad that both of you brought it forward,” said Renwick to Councillors Clouthier and FitzGerald, reiterating how shocked she was to hear of incidents experienced by Huntsville municipal employees.
The motion was approved unanimously and will be forwarded to David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development; Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Premier of Ontario Doug Ford. A copy of the resolution will also be sent to the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors and neighbouring municipalities for their consideration.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
Interesting article. While I applaud present Council for “endorsing” this resolution, it is equally critical to stand behind it. Supporting the Public Works staff is paramount to a good working team.
Having spent over 30 years in the Public Works sector, I always made the effort to support staff and contractors no matter what. And I do wish we had this kind of written support from Councils of the day. Sometimes we did, sometimes we didn’t. Consistency shows Public Works staff that Council truly does back them up.
It’s easy for Council to blame Public Works staff when being yelled at by a ratepayer.
Council MUST stand firm on their support at all times. Public Works staff notice these things.
And we remember.
I have to wonder who the heck would chose to pick on somebody trying to maintain the infrastructure you depend upon? Are these people really that stupid and ignorant?
These workers work outside mostly, in any kind of weather and for long hours. The last thing they should have to do is suffer insults and dodge threats. Your fancy car will give you a pretty lousy ride if these workers don’t patch the potholes.! Give them room to work, be friendly and nice. They didn’t break whatever it is, they are trying to fix it…. for you to use!!!