Editor:
I believe that in extraordinary times such as these we must temper our expectations of the quality of service that we receive from people and companies that performance certain services. That said, while WM can be excused for missed waste pickups on many routes, they must not be allowed to profit from lowered service levels.
In response to Area E director Donna McMahon’s query as to whether “there is a prospect of compensation from the contractor [WM]” Remko Rosenboom, the Sunshine Coast Regional District general manager for infrastructure, said that “they are in discussions with the contractor and hopeful for a positive outcome.” (Coast Reporter, P6, Dec. 3)
Excuse me? There should be no need for discussion. It’s outrageous that the SCRD wrote a contract with WM that does not explicitly set out penalties for missed pickups thus allowing WM to profit from lowered service levels by not having to pay for drivers, gas and maintenance for those route-days! WM should be fined significantly for these occurrences and further, rate-payers should receive a free “extra can” sticker every time this happens at WM’s expense.
I urge the board to in future insist on penalties for all contractors for missing service-level targets; this is management 101.
Arne Hermann, Elphinstone
