Robert Bobb: Firm with troubled past will save DPS $75 million (privatizing)

[Bozita]

http://www.freep.com/article/20110127/NEWS01/110127059/0/OPINION05/Bobb-Firm-troubled-past-will-save-DPS-75-million-?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Bobb: Firm with troubled past will save DPS $75 million
6:58 PM, Jan. 27, 2011
By Chastity Pratt Dawsey
Detroit Free Press Education Writer


Union and school officials expect to square off in court over the Detroit Public Schools' plan to privatize facilities operations starting next month to save $75 million over five years.

Robert Bobb, DPS emergency financial manager, announced today the outsourcing will mean 699 DPS employees will now have to seek jobs with companies taking over custodial, engineering, maintenance, repair and grounds services Feb. 21.

Also at issue is that the $43.9 million, five-year contract is with Sodexo Inc., a multi-national company that Human Rights Watch and other groups accused of human rights violations and union busting.

Sodexo paid $80 million in 2005 to settle a class-action suit by African-American employees in the U.S. over claims they were denied promotions and segregated within Sodexo. And it agreed last July to pay $20 million to settle accusations by the New York Attorney General that it overcharged New York schools for food services.

more...

[madfloridian]

1. He really has a lot of power there.

The last time I posted about him, I was nearly crucified here about it. Privatizing those jobs by outsourcing is the last thing that city needs. Much of his pay comes from foundations like the Broad Foundation and the Skillman Foundation.

Recommended, and good luck.

[Starry Messenger]

2. I thought he was *leaving*.

He needs to be run out on a rail.