Media Advisory
For Dec. 3, 2013
Contact: Khanh Weinberg (408) 921-0098
Palo Alto street sweepers take to the streets
Workers question city plan to contract out, reduce sweeping services
PALO ALTO, Calif. – City street sweepers will take to the streets of Palo Alto on Tuesday to oppose a plan to contract out street-sweeping services, reducing the frequency of sweeping to once every-other-week.
The latest proposal comes just as the acting city auditor recently reported city mismanagement of a contract for underground utilities cost the city possibly $281,000.
“Quality services and public safety are not the business priority of any contractor. We know the quality of services provided to our community will suffer,” said Margaret Adkins, Programs Assistant in the Public Works Department. “As public workers, we are committed to delivering excellence. We are standing up for our community first.”
WHAT: Street sweepers protest at City Hall
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3
WHERE: Palo Alto City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave.
The city Finance Committee meets Tuesday at 7 p.m. to consider the proposal: “Cost Saving Plan That Would Reduce the Frequency to Every Other Week for Street Sweeping in Residential/Light Commercial Areas and Contracting Out the Palo Alto Street Sweeping Program.”
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The Service Employees International Union is an organization of 2.1 million members united by the belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide. SEIU is dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families and creating a more just and humane society. For more information, visit www.seiu521.org
