Achi news desk-
Dozens of tow trucks were parked outside city hall in downtown Sydney, NS, on Wednesday, blocking one lane of traffic in an effort to block a proposed bylaw they say would hurt their livelihoods .
“If the bylaw goes through, at least 80 direct jobs and families will be affected,” said Stephen Jamael, one of the towing operators who participated in the protest.
Before heading to city hall, tow truck drivers met with Cape Breton Regional Police about their concerns, which the truck drivers said included the bylaw passing first reading before city council without their prior knowledge or any consultation.
“They’re trying to dictate what we charge, with prices,” said Frank Campbell, another tow truck operator.
Drivers got out of their trucks and went into city hall to voice their opinion.
A spokesman for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) said the meeting ended with takeaways for both sides.
“So the tow truck operators had the opportunity to meet the mayor, the CAO and the deputy CAO”, said Jenna MacQueen of CBRM Communications. “The tow truck operators were able to raise some of their concerns with the first reading of the bylaw. The mayor, the CAO and the deputy CAO were able to take those concerns back, and they will be meeting with some representatives of the tow truck operators next week to hopefully find common ground.”
Three years ago, almost to the date, there was a similar protest march.
The city said part of the purpose of the bylaw is to encourage safe maintenance and operating practices and that drivers are experienced and competent.
Some towing operators remained skeptical.
“I don’t know where they’re going to start getting tow truck operators, because nobody can afford to run their business,” Jamael said.
The bylaw is expected to go before the council for a second reading on 25 June.
