Police board to examine outsourcing crossing guards

A controversial proposal to outsource school crossing guards will be discussed at Thursday's Police Services Board meeting.

The chair of the board, Alok Mukherjee, has suggested making changes to the crossing guard which right now costs about $7 million per year as part of an overall plan to reduce the police budget next year.

The meeting comes just a few days after crossing guards were recognized at City Hall for their work.

Ida Fedor-Baan, who received a 10-year service pin said she loves serving the community. "I love my children. I love getting the big hugs in the morning."

But the proposal to outsource the crossing guard program had many worried they will lose their jobs.

"We don't make big wages that's for sure," said Mona Piper, president of the School Crossing Guard Association.

"This is my 40th year — and I only make around $14 an hour," said Piper.

Most of the 700 crossing guards in Toronto don't make that much.  They're normally paid $11.33 per hour with a 12 per cent travel allowance and four per cent vacation pay.

A police officer in each division is also assigned as co-ordinator.

Coun. Michael Thompson, vice-chair of the Toronto Police Services Board, says the board will ask Chief Bill Blair "to report back and examine the option."

Piper says previous boards have tried to outsource the crossing guard program but have failed.