Audit report says MARTA privatization in Atlanta could mean job cuts

ATLANTA - A report shows that plans to privative Atlanta's rapid transit system could result in nearly 800 jobs being cut from the system -- nearly 20 percent of the workforce.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (http://bit.ly/13UKGbm) that transit officials are downplaying that number.

General Manager Keith Parker acknowledged that a management audit says the transit authority might eliminate nearly that number by outsourcing functions such as cleaning and para-transit service over five years. However, he said he believes many of those people might transfer to whatever private company that will be performing the service.

Union officials and other analysts contend that privatization usually mean forcing down wages and benefits and cutting jobs because private companies need to perform the same work at a lower cost while making a profit.

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