Confederation Bridge pilot project worrisome, says UPSE

The P.E.I. Union of Public Sector Employees says its worried about a pilot program planned this fall for theConfederation Bridge.

Under the program, only self-serve toll booths would be open in the overnight hours.

Bridge officials say the main reason for the potential change is the safety of toll booth workers.

But Debbie Bovyer, president of UPSE, the union representing the workers, doesn't see it the same way.

I think it's a cost saving measure for the bridge, and they are getting federal money to put the toll booth in and we're losing another middle-class income. We certainly will be bringing it up at the negotiating table, she said.

Bovyer said 23 hours of work per week could be lost, if the changes are implemented.

She also believes the public will be inconvenienced if only self-serve night tolls are available.