The PNE says it plans to introduce automated parking meters managed by EasyPark— aiming to reduce traffic congestion— starting now.
A small group of longtime parking lot staff says that they were blindsided by the news. The affected workers protest the move that they say threatens their jobs.
Many in the group have worked in the paid parking lot for years.
“It is impacting at least 20 sellers, and many of them have been here for decades. I have been here 10 years,” said one worker, named Stella.
The small group of parking lot staff protested the decision on Monday.
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“We are a family, and we stick together. So, we are trying to fight this meter.”
The workers argue that the change will create more frustration for the public.
The workers say drivers will be left circling for spots and lining up at pay stations, achieving the opposite of the desired result as proposed by PNE.
The PNE says it has offered the affected workers alternative employment.
“The decision to bring our parking into alignment with the venues and parks around the city affected about 20 part-time members of our team, all of whom have been offered alternative positions in the organization,” said Laura Ballance, PNE Spokesperson, to 1130 NewsRadio.
