Moncton Crosswalk Guards Face Wage Cuts as New Company Takes Over

Crosswalk guards in Moncton will see a reduction in their wages when schools reopen in September. The new contract awarded to the Toronto-based company, Synergy Protection Group Inc., cuts hourly pay by approximately $2, impacting those who rely on this income. Monique LaVigne, who worked at Evergreen Park School in the city’s north end, expressed her concerns: “I know it doesn’t seem like a lot, but when we only work 15 hours a week and a lot of us are semi-retired or retired, we look forward to that money.”

The contract was awarded in June 2023 after a competitive bidding process. According to a spokesperson for the City of Moncton, Aloma Jardine, the policy is to tender contracts every five years. The previous contract was issued in 2020 and is set to expire in 2025.

Michael Rossignol, who has served as a crosswalk guard in Moncton and nearby Dieppe for eight years, voiced his frustration over the pay cut. “A cut in pay is quite substantial at the end of the year. We’re talking about a couple thousand dollars and for some of us it’s quite substantial, so I don’t agree with that,” he said.

Under the new contract, crossing guards will be compensated at a rate of $16.64 per hour. Kim Hefferman, the director of crossing guard services for Synergy Protection Group, clarified that they were unaware of the wages previously paid by the former employer.

LaVigne, affectionately known as Nikki, is a familiar figure among students and families at Evergreen Park. Local parent Vernon Doucet praised her dedication: “She brings a smile to everyone’s face. She knows all the kids by name.” LaVigne has not yet decided whether she will return to her role with the new company.

She expressed an emotional connection to the children and the community, stating, “Let’s not talk about it. I still look at my hand-drawn cards that I have. Sometimes I come down to this neighbourhood and I’ll see a few of the kids.”

Hefferman has expressed hope that LaVigne will choose to continue her work with Synergy Protection Group. “We want her to be part of the team,” she said. “We see that she’s a valuable part of the community and I really do hope that she changes her mind and comes back to work for us.”

The situation highlights the financial challenges that many part-time workers face, particularly those in community roles such as crossing guards, who play an essential part in ensuring the safety of children as they navigate their way to school.