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Transportation enforcement officers protect safety

Vital inspection work highlighted during truck safety blitz in southern Ontario.

Toronto (24 Aug. 2010) - An Ontario truck safety blitz last week highlights the important work of transportation enforcement officers and the threat of plans by the McGuinty government to close three truck inspection stations on southern Ontario highways.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) says the blitz along Highway 401 demonstrates the vital work done by its members in keeping poorly-maintained vehicles off the roads. Enforcement officers were taped by CHCH News in Hamilton checking for safety violations at the Trafalgar South Truck Inspection Station near Milton.

Malfunctioning brakes and poorly-fastened wheels are just two of the violations caught by the Officers, averting potential disaster.

Local 506 president Edie Strachan says safe roads are in everyone's interest. "The public expects it and we provide that service,” she told a reporter for the station.

OPSEU says the government's cutback plans threaten public safety.

"The ministry of transportation told employees in July that the Fort Erie, Winona and Sarnia North stations will be shut down this year as part of the government’s goal of downsizing the Ontario public service by 5% by March 31, 2012."

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE