Several employees at the Calgary Zoo have lost their jobs, but the positions will not be left vacant, in fact, they will be filled by contractors.
The Zoo has let go, 6 full time and nine seasonal staff.
All of the employees worked in the outdoor horticultural department, specifically the Botanical Gardens.
The Zoo said the cuts will increase efficiency and bring in a “substantial” amount of savings, but they won’t say how much.
CUPE Alberta, the union that represents the workers, said there is nothing to stop the zoo from hiring contractors, but said it hurts the local economy.
Jack Mintz , director of public policy at the University of Calgary says, While the zoo is only outsourcing fifteen jobs now, the move could serve as a test for other departments.
“It’s really not a huge number but of course when you’re making these kind of decisions there’s other areas that this could apply to” said Mintz.
Another concern with outsourcing is whether or not the new staff will have the same level of expertise when dealing with exotic plants, landscapes and potentially poisonous greenery to the animals.
Judit Smits, an ecosystem specialist at the University of Calgary says there are realistic risks when bringing in outside people to maintain the grounds as there could be a dangerous domino effect.
“Herbicides or fungicides or rodenticides used in protecting the plants, those might be very good at protecting plants, but then what are they going to do the animals if there’s some drift” said Smits.
The Zoo said they have no plans to change the number of staff in the animal care department.
Three of the full time employees have found work in other City departments, while the others are still looking.
(with files from Rahim Ladhani)
