ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR--(Marketwire - March 11, 2010) - The President of CUPE Local 1860 at Newfoundland and Labrador Housing is questioning the employer's increased reliance on contracting out.

Bill Wakeley says, "We are concerned that all kinds of work is being put out to tender when it's been shown that contractors are going to charge between 25% and 30% more to do the work.

"CUPE would suggest that hiring seasonal workers is the more sensible route to go and would actually result in cost savings for the Housing Corporation. 

Wakeley says, "There are all kinds of carpenters, painters and labourers who are looking for work here in NL, especially rural NL. The union contends that 90% of the work that's being contracted out could be done in house."

He says a joint study done by the union and the Housing Corporation a few years ago should it was cheaper to do the work in house.

Seasonal employees typically work from May to October. Wakeley says he will be meeting the employer next week to discuss the union's concerns.