To the Editor:
We've heard a lot about how multi-million-dollar Lean consultants have been tearing through Saskatchewan's hospitals and classrooms to implement the costly Lean experiment. This government has even appointed a Minister for Lean.
But, now we're hearing from front-line highways workers, too, who tell us that teams of managers and consultants as large as 20 people have shown up at highways shops to Lean them.
Front-line workers describe these Lean consultants as not knowing - and not caring - which tools and supplies were valuable or useful. It seemed like the consultant's goal was just to Lean the shop by throwing stuff out.
These workers say consultants threw out tools and valuable supplies in good or even new condition - from wrench sets to hydraulic cylinders. It's clear there is no room for common sense or frontline worker engagement in this government's expensive lean scheme.
Highway workers, just like teachers or nurses, know their shop and their trade best. Why are taxpaying highway workers being forced to pay for consultants to tell them what tools they can keep?
This government doesn't have a straight answer to that question. Instead, their response is to pour more taxpayer dollars into the Lean contracts that are making Saskatchewan a cash cow for consultants.
Warren McCall, NDP critic for Lean.
