Affleck comments on Global News Hour June 27, 2023
Writing in response to comments made during an interview with Global news regarding the City of
Vancouver budget outlook and the potential tax increases. When questioned as to why Vancouver is
seeing higher tax increases not seen in other municipalities you responded “I think Vancouver is
burdened with a very significant workforce that is, expensive”.
The unions representing workers (CUPE Local 15, Local 1004, Local 391, IBEW 213, IAFF 18, IATSE118
among others) at the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Park Board, and Vancouver Public Library Fire and
Rescue and Civic Theaters believe these comments to be inflammatory and grossly unfair. Our
members, who provide the valuable services relied upon by the residents of Vancouver, are fairing no
better than other workers across this country.
Rising interest rates, the pace of inflation, the cost of living, and yes taxes have these workers struggling
to make ends meet and to put nutritious food on the table for their families. To imply that these very
workers are responsible for increasing tax hikes is not only insensitive but patently false. Recent general
wage increases for these workers have been well below the rate of inflation in Vancouver. It would be
more accurate to state that the very workers you blame for tax increases have actually contributed to
keeping taxes down for the residents they serve.
The workers you characterize as expensive are owed an apology. The union invites you to rescind your
statement that implies the COV is overstaffed and expensive. The City is already experiencing serious
difficulty with recruitment and retention of staff. Your comments that they are simply too expensive
does not alleviate the problem but in fact likely exacerbates the situation.
I would also call on the current administration at City Hall to denounce the offensive comments made by
Mr. Affleck as uninformed and out of touch with the current reality within the City of Vancouver.
Warren Williams
President CUPE
Local 15