The city is threatening legal action against a local union over a series of television ads that say the city is “for sale.”
CUPE Local 500 began airing 30 second televised ads at the end of October. The ads say the city is “For Sale” and accuse Mayor Sam Katz of waging an attack on public workers and services.
The ad says Katz and city council want to privatize parks, golf courses and arenas as well as selling of infrastructure. The ad also mentions a controversial fire hall land deal, saying the city tried to sell fire halls to their friends.
In a message on the union’s website, president Mike Davidson said the ad highlights the risks of putting Winnipeg’s public services in the hands of for-profit corporations.
The City of Winnipeg has responded to the ads by sending a letter to the union, saying it won’t tolerate the publication of “false or defamatory” information. The letter also requested a retraction.
Officials from the city said if the union refuses to comply, it will consider legal action against them.
