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You are on the [cover page] of folder [Strike Media In July 2]Strike Media July 15-24
posted on July 25, 2009
Strike isn't about fairness, it's about power
By: Richard Gwyn
Published: Jul 24, 2009
Source: The StarThe other day, Toronto Mayor David Miller was being interviewed on the radio. So I listened.
The city's position on the garbage strike, said Miller, was that the settlement had to be "fair and responsible." Fair to the workers, that is, but at the same time responsible in the sense of taking account of the city's financial circumstances.
At this point, I yawned. Miller went on. To achieve such a settlement, he said, the union needed to figure out "how to say yes."
At that point, I turned off the radio.
posted on July 25, 2009
Certainty a casualty as walkout drags on
By: Tamie Dolny
Published: Jul 24, 2009
Source: The StarSince I began writing about my experiences on the picket line for the Star two weeks ago I have noticed that my moods and, especially, some of my opinions have been changing according to what I read, hear, or see.
Has this happened to you?
Opinions change all the time. We are constantly making choices that affect our opinions. Maybe you were sprinting to work today and accidentally ordered an Irish Cream coffee instead of your regular decaf blend and realized that you were missing out on an entire universe of coffee-delight.
posted on July 25, 2009
Tough times for Big Brothers, Sisters
Decline in revenues, city strike are blamed as agency hasn't placed a child since March
By: Linda Diebel
Published: Jul 24, 2009
Source: The StarHundreds of city children desperate for help, support and guidance have been shut out of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto programs this summer, due to the double whammy of the agency's plunging revenues and the strike by municipal workers.
"It's heartbreaking for us as an organization," says Cathy Denyer, president of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto. "Children are missing life-changing opportunities – at a time of the year when they are at their most vulnerable."
posted on July 25, 2009
CITY WALKOUT: DAY 33
City begins to refund camp fees
By: Donovan Vincent
Published: Jul 24, 2009
Source: The StarToronto is refunding just over $2 million to the families of 45,000 children who've missed out on city-run day camps, swimming and youth leadership programs because of the municipal strike.
"We understand that having to cancel city-run day camps and other programs has been a significant inconvenience for families,'' city manager Joe Pennachetti said in a statement yesterday.
The city has started the process of refunding the money for the 4,425 cancelled programs.
posted on July 25, 2009
Union sets deadline for deal
By: Donovan vincent
Published: Jul 24, 2009
Source: The StarCalling himself a patient man who has come to the end of his rope, the head of one of Toronto's striking unions has threatened to walk out of talks if a tentative agreement with the city is not reached within 48 hours.
In a surprising move, Mark Ferguson, president of local 416, explained to reporters this afternoon that he is frustrated with the pace of negotiations in the 33-day-old strike.
posted on July 24, 2009
Two moms file lawsuit against city, union
Mothers say strike is harmful to children
By: Laurie Monsebraaten
Published: Jul 23, 2009
Source: The StarToronto's municipal workers' strike is causing "irreparable harm" to children and youth who have been robbed of summer camps, child care, summer jobs and recreation, say two mothers who have launched legal action against the city and one of its two striking unions.
In their application to be heard by the Ontario Superior Court on July 31, the mothers, identified only as A.B. and E.F., say the loss of these programs violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
posted on July 24, 2009
City will refund fees paid for camps, lessons
But property-tax rebate ruled out
By: JENNIFER LEWINGTON
Published: Jul. 23, 2009
Source: The Globe and MailToronto residents will receive refunds for children's day camps, swimming lessons and leadership programs cancelled because of the city workers strike.
At a city hall press conference, Mayor David Miller ruled out a rebate on property taxes that help pay for city services suspended since the strike by Locals 79 and 416 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees began June 22.
posted on July 24, 2009
End rumour and rancour, CUPE: Reveal your offer
By: Royson James
Published: Jul 23, 2009
Source: The StarRarely has Toronto seen its city management and civic unions talk so long about so much and agree on so little.
Heading into Day 32 of Toronto's civic workers' strike, wouldn't it be nice to know just what separates both sides? How far apart are they? All we know is what the city offered almost two weeks ago – a modest, underwhelming wage hike of 1 per cent, 1 per cent, 2 per cent, and 3 per cent over four years; and an offer to buy out the workers' accumulated sick bank benefits (currently a maximum six months pay) at a much reduced rate.
posted on July 24, 2009
CITY WALKOUT: DAY 32
Where their garbage goes
Published: Jul 23, 2009
Source: The StarWe asked a selection of city councillors, former politicians, an artist and an environmentalist what they’re doing with their garbage. Here are their answers:
ADAM GIAMBRONE COUNCILLOR
“I rarely cook at home so I don’t produce much more than vegetable scraps and fruit. I store a few things in the freezer. I don’t have enough organics to use my own composter, so I take my tiny little bag once a week to my friend down the street.”
posted on July 24, 2009
CITY WALKOUT: DAY 32
Strike refunds fall short, critics say
By: Donovan Vincent and Kenyon Wallace
Published: Jul 23, 2009
Source: The StarIn a sop to parents frustrated by services lost due to the city strike, Mayor David Miller is refunding the money they paid for day camps, swimming lessons and youth leadership programs.
But critics declared the announcement too late, with one city councillor calling the move a "blowoff" when Toronto residents should be getting tax rebates for services lost over the past 32 days.
"I'm sure the mayor is hearing the call for refunds and he seems to want to make a peace offer, but it has to go broader than just camp programs," said Councillor Michael Thompson.
posted on July 24, 2009
Strike puts sexual health at risk
Experts fear more infections, unwanted pregnancies with public health nurses on strike and clinics shut
By: Megan Ogilvie
Published: Jul 23, 2009
Source: The StarToronto will see a spike in sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies with public health nurses on strike, sexual health experts say.
City-run sexual health clinics, which provide free or low-cost birth control, testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and free treatment and emergency contraceptive pills, are closed. Many clinics that partner with Toronto Public Health are running at reduced capacity.
posted on July 24, 2009
Living in the `real world'
By: David Goutor
Published: Jul 23, 2009
Source: The StarAssistant professor of labour studies at McMaster University Among all of the complaints about the CUPE locals currently on strike in Toronto, probably the most common is that the public sector workers are not living in the "real world."
In particular, strikers have been assailed for the "delusional" expectations they have developed while cocooned in the public sector, safely away from the hard realities of the private sector.
posted on July 24, 2009
Some strikers back at work
ISteve Russell/Toronto Star
Mark Ferguson, president of Toronto Civic Employees Union
Local 416 talks to his pickets at Commissioners Road transfer
Station of during the first day of the city strike. (June 22,By: Paul Moloney
Published: Jul 23, 2009
Source: The StarHundreds of unionized City of Toronto workers have left the picket line and returned to work, but don't ask what they're doing, or where.
Officials will say only that, as of Wednesday, 824 workers had applied to the city to return to work and 597 have been deployed. There about 30,000 city workers on strike.
City officials are worried pickets will block them from getting in to work, as happened at the North Etobicoke welfare office last week.
posted on July 24, 2009
No reggae vibe at city hall
Strike means Irie Music Festival will run only at Queen’s Park this year
By: Jason Miller
Published: Jul 23, 2009
Source: The StarThe Toronto civic workers' strike has created a not so Irie vibe for one of Toronto's marquee summer music festivals.
Patrons converging on Toronto's downtown core next weekend, one of the city's busiest times of year, will notice a significant change caused by the absence of the TD Canada Trust Irie Music Festival from Nathan Phillips Square. The entire festival will be at Queen's Park this year.
Throughout its eight-year existence, hosting duties for the reggae-centred festival have been shared between Queen's Park and the city hall venue. The festival's artistic director, Phil Vassell, said that plan ended up in the bin as the strike dragged on.
posted on July 24, 2009
Union leaders differ on style but no sign bond coming unglued
The stakes of a prolonged strike, however, play out differently for the two locals as talks drag on
By: Jennifer Lewington
Published: Jul. 23, 2009
Source: The Globe and MailAs a strike by city workers hits day 27 on Saturday with no deal in sight, some noticeable differences in style have emerged between the two union leaders at the bargaining table.
Ann Dembinski, the president of Local 79 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, is vocal and aggressive in denouncing the city's offer to her 18,000 inside workers. She is the one who fires personal shots at Mayor David Miller, accused by conservative critics of being too close to labour.
posted on July 24, 2009
Mayor’s critics won’t give credit where credit is due
David Miller’s opponents are going after him on little things because they actually agree with him on the big ones
By: Marcus Gee
Published: Jul. 23, 2009
Source: The Globe and MailFor years, critics of Mayor David Miller have been saying that he should curb spending by standing up to the unions. Now that he is doing just that, you might think they would give him a little credit. Instead, the anti-Miller forces on city council have seized on the strike by 30,000 city workers as a chance to wound the mayor. The result is a campaign of carping, kvetching and caviling that only underlines the weakness of the opposition at City Hall.
Cavil No. 1 is over councillors’ pay. Mr. Miller’s opponents say that he should set an example by calling a council meeting to roll back a recent pay hike for councillors. Otherwise, they say, the city looks two-faced when it calls on city workers to accept restraint in a time of economic hardship.
posted on July 24, 2009
Councillor backs bid to hire waste haulers
Private Collectors Bring Garbage Day To Weston Rd.; Mammoliti says no to living with 'rats ...maggots'
By: Katherine Laidlaw
Published: July 23, 2009
Source: National PostGarbage day came to Weston Road yesterday after local businesses, supported by their city councillor, hired a private disposal company to pick up trash.
Smiling residents hauled a month's worth of waste out of their houses and lined it up along the curb on Weston from Wilson Avenue to Finch Avenue. A pall of month-old, rancid food hanging in the air -- and trailing down the road behind the company's green garbage truck -- could not dampen the celebratory mood.
"Thank God! God has visited us today," said Huynh Kai, who lives in a house just north of Sheppard Avenue on Weston and put out his garbage after hearing of the collection.
posted on July 24, 2009
Mayor sets dates for meeting
Mixed Reactions
By: Allison Hanes
Published: July 23, 2009
Source: National PostAfter weeks of pressure from political adversaries, Mayor David Miller set a date yesterday for a Toronto council meeting to deal with city business left by the wayside during a five-week-old civic strike.But those who have been clamouring for a council session were divided yesterday about whether the Mayor's announcement was meant to send a tough message to picketing workers, pre-empt the efforts of councillors trying to force their own meeting or buy time for a settlement.
posted on July 24, 2009
City to detail refunds for parks programs
Trash Rebates Possible
By: Allison Hanes
Published: July 23, 2009
Source: National PostToronto will release more details today of plans to reimburse city residents who paid for summer parks and recreation programs that were cancelled by the month-long strike by civic workers.
Mayor David Miller announced yesterday rebates are already in the works.
"Parks, forestry and recreation staff are now working on processing refunds to residents for day camp, swimming and leadership program and registration fees," he said.
posted on July 24, 2009
Moms sue over strike
Say cancellation of children's camps a violation of Charter of Rights
By: Josh Wingrove
Published: Jul. 23, 2009
Source: The Globe and MailTwo Toronto mothers have filed a legal challenge against the city and one of its striking unions, arguing the cancellation of camps and summer programs for children amounts to a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
In an application filed Friday, the mothers, who can be identified only by their initials A.B. and E.F., are challenging the constitutionality of Ontario's Labour Relations Act, which permits the strike by the indoor workers. A strike that cancels children's camps is in violation of a child's Charter right “to liberty and security of the person,” it argues.
posted on July 24, 2009
Is Windsor deal good omen for T.O.?
Published: July 23, 2009
Source: The National PostWINDSOR, Ont. — A tentative agreement was reached early Thursday morning between 1,800 municipal workers and the City of Windsor to end a bitter, 100-day strike that began in April and left residents without garbage collection, public spaces overgrown with waist-high grass and a host of other services.
Union members will vote on the deal tomorrow.
“It’s the best agreement they felt they could reach at the table,” said Canadian Union of Public Employees spokesman Luc Tittley, referring to CUPE Local 543 and 82 presidents Jean Fox and Jim Wood. “They felt they had to bring it to their members.” Neither Fox nor Wood would say if they are recommending acceptance of the deal.
posted on July 24, 2009
Toronto on strike: Garbage day (finally) comes to Weston Road
By: Katherine Laidlaw
Published: July 23, 2009
Source: The National PostGarbage day came to Weston Road yesterday after local businesses, supported by their city councillor, hired a private disposal company to pick up trash.
Smiling residents hauled a month’s worth of waste out of their houses and lined it up along the curb on Weston from Wilson Avenue to Finch Avenue. A pall of month-old, rancid food hanging in the air — and trailing down the road behind the company’s green garbage truck — could not dampen the celebratory mood.
posted on July 24, 2009
The Mayor has nowhere to turn
You know there's trouble when the anti-strike crowd and the pickets start chanting in unison, ‘Miller's got to go'
By: Marcus Gee
Published: Jul. 22, 2009
Source: The Globe and MailTo borrow from W.C. Fields, it was not a day of effulgent sunshine for David Miller.
The new issue of Maclean's hit the newsstand, showing the mayor in a garbage can with a banana peel on his head. Cover line: Toronto stinks.
Demonstrators outside City Hall called for his resignation.
Hopes that his public offer of settlement would end the strike by 30,000 city workers expired with a dying gasp. Friday marked a week since the offer, and the mayor's gambit has clearly failed to move the striking unions.
posted on July 24, 2009
T.O. strike standoff: Day 30
By: Andrew Sullivan
Published: Jul. 22, 2009
Source: The Globe and MailLondon, Ont. — From Tuesday's Last updated on Wednesday, 02:55AM EDT Marcus Gee suggests Toronto is "becoming" dysfunctional. It's past "becoming" (Miller Has Nowhere To Turn - July 18).
About a year ago, I was convinced to move from Toronto. I'd been resisting, but I'd been travelling a lot and after comparisons with cities I'd visited (nice places - New York, Chicago, Vancouver, Prague, Tallinn), noticed Toronto just isn't well run. The wheels are off the axles, and left the rails some time ago. (Insert cliché here.)
posted on July 24, 2009
It is up to employers to thwart strikes
Best way to do that is to continue to operate as usual
By: Howard Levitt
Published: July 22, 2009
Source: Financial PostIs there a secret deal between David Miller, Toronto Mayor, and the civic unions? Little else makes sense.
Let me delineate Labour Law 100. A union is permitted to strike when its collective agreement expires (Toronto's ended last December) and it has proviced notice. Its job (and it cannot be blamed for this) is to cause as much inconvenience as possible, hoping the City will capitulate and accept its demands. But a strike is not, legally, a one-way street. Like any other employer, it is up to the City to thwart the union's efforts, minimize disruption and continue to provide services without interruption. If the employer succeeds in that, the union's bargaining power is crippled and its members, who are without income and having difficulty paying their bills, will quickly vote to accept the employer's offer and return to work. If the employer also treats its non-union employees properly during a strike, union members may even question the benefit of having a union.
posted on July 24, 2009
Poll serves as warning to pols
By: Allison Hanes
Published: July 22, 2009
Source: National PostCity workers in Toronto may be on strike, but politicians most certainly are not. If anything, the five-week labour disruption has provided public office holders with ample opportunity for heightened visibility -- and a chance to test their mettle in a crisis.
Yesterday alone, two men touted as potential contenders in next year's mayoral election -- Deputy Premier George Smitherman and former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader John Tory -- were out cleaning the streets together.
posted on July 24, 2009
Strike? What strike?
By: Rudyard Griffiths
Published: July 22, 2009
Source: The National PostAs Toronto's public service strike enters its fifth week, with no end in sight, an interesting social phenomenon is starting to unfold in Canada's largest metropolis: In bars, over dinner tables and around water coolers, Toronto's tax-strapped and recession-conscious denizen are all talking about how little their day-to-day lives have been effected by the strike.
Yes, there is the inconvenience of having to pay $5 a bag to have garbage hauled away by the enterprising businessmen who come to your door. Yes, the city's main thoroughfares are starting to look like the gritty set of a CSI: NY episode. And, yes, if you are a parent with limited means who was counting on city summer camps and daycare, the last month has been downright awful.
posted on July 24, 2009
Toronto on strike: City to reimburse residents who paid for cancelled parks, recreation programs
By: Allison Hanes
Published: July 22, 2009
Source: The National PostToronto will release more details today of plans to reimburse city residents who paid for summer parks and recreation programs that were cancelled by the month-long strike by civic workers.
Mayor David Miller announced yesterday rebates are already in the works.
“Parks, forestry and recreation staff are now working on processing refunds to residents for day camp, swimming and leadership program and registration fees,” he said.
posted on July 22, 2009
Day 31
Strike bargaining table a lonely spot
By: John Spears
Published: Jul 22, 2009
Source: The StarEveryone talks about the bargaining table in the Toronto's civic workers' strike, but few people – including many of the negotiators – ever see it.
For starters, there isn't one bargaining table, there are two: One for the city's outside workers, represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 416, and a separate one for the inside workers, CUPE Local 79.
The latter has barely been used since the strike started a month ago.
posted on July 22, 2009
McGuinty's purposeful inaction
By: Thomas Walkom
Published: Jul 22, 2009
Source: The StarAs the Toronto civic workers' strike drags into its fifth week, Dalton McGuinty remains resolutely and deliberately invisible.
The Ontario premier is the one person who can swiftly bring a legislated end to the 31-day labour dispute that has seen child-care centres close and garbage pile up. But you won't hear him say that.
Unless he's forced to, you won't hear him say anything about the Toronto strike, or a similar one in Windsor – except that residents in both cities are doing a swell job.
posted on July 22, 2009
CITY WALKOUT: DAY 31
Dumps, recycled
Published: Jul 22, 2009
Source: The StarThe city should clean up and reuse existing dump sites rather than open more temporary dumps, members of city council's right-wing Responsible Government Group urged yesterday.
Councillor Case Ootes said a cleanup likely would require hiring outside contractors. Any such move likely would be opposed by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 416, which represents garbage collectors, he conceded. Mayor David Miller rejected the idea, saying it posed too many challenges.
posted on July 24, 2009
Mayor revives his composter
Published: July 21, 2009
Source: National PostUnwilling to take his trash to one of the city's two-dozen temporary dumps, Mayor David Miller says he revived the composter in his yard, and is storing other waste in his garage.
"We are now separating out things like meat and we've restarted our backyard composter with the fruit and other things that we know can compost pretty easily," he said.
While many Torontonians have been outraged that the city has set up temporary dump sites in two dozen parks for residential waste, Mr. Miller said he has not hauled his own bags there.
"I'm not prepared to give in on that," he said. "To me, they shouldn't be on strike in the first place. And one personal thing I can do is keep my garbage in my garage, and we're doing that."
But the Mayor insisted there are no plans to haul away trash stockpiled in parks until the end of the strike for "several complicated reasons." These include logistics of what to do with the refuse and the potential to cause a confrontation with striking workers.
posted on July 24, 2009
More union's mess than Mayor's
By: Terence Corcoran
Published: July 21, 2009
Source: National PostThe cover of Maclean's Ontario edition this week features Toronto Mayor David Miller. He's sitting in a garbage can with a banana peel on his head, surrounded by trash and a pair of raccoons ready to nibble on the Mayor's rotting political tootsies -- a not-so subtle homage to Mr. Miller's assumed role, as a union-friendly lefty, in plunging Canada's largest city into a prolonged garbage strike.
posted on July 24, 2009
Toronto on strike: No new dump sites, councillors demand
By: Allison Hanes
Published: July 21, 2009
Source: National PostCouncillor cooperating under the umbrella of the Responsible Government Group held a press conference this afternoon demanding that Mayor David Miller empty 24 existing temporary dumps in parks and reuse them instead of opening more as the current ones fill up.
The conservative councillors said if it takes hiring replacement workers to haul the trash away, that’s what should be done – even if it sparks a confrontation from striking workers.
“That will be a challenge that will have to be dealt with,” said Case Ootes (Toronto Danforth). “They have the right to protest peacefully.”
posted on July 24, 2009
Toronto on strike: David Miller warns of possible layoffs if union doesn't bend
By: Allison Hanes
Published: July 21, 2009
Source: National PostMayor David Miller warned yesterday that possible layoffs and service cuts would be the price of yielding to demands by striking Toronto workers, in yet another recalibrating of the city’s message about what is at stake in the month-long labour dispute.
Pay raises for 30,000 indoor and outdoor civic employees on par with those doled out in arbitrated settlements to police and transit unions “would cost the city tens of millions of dollars in 2010 that we simply don’t have,” Mr. Miller told the National Post yesterday. “And that would be mean service cuts, possibly layoffs, certainly not hiring people. So you get this real inequity where older workers don’t get a raise, younger workers won’t have a job.
posted on July 22, 2009
Pick up pace in strike talks
Published: Jul 21, 2009
Source: The StarWith the strike by Toronto's municipal workers entering its fifth week, negotiations to settle the dispute seem oddly lethargic.
Today, the work stoppage has the dubious distinction of matching a 30-day strike by the old City of Toronto garbage collectors in 1972. Only one local garbage dispute has lasted longer in recent history: a gruelling 38-day strike by Etobicoke's trash collectors in 1984. And that record might well fall next week, given the glacial rate of progress at the bargaining table.
posted on July 22, 2009
The skinny on the stinky mess in city parks
By: Paul Moloney
Published: Jul 21, 2009
Source: The StarWhy not just truck it away?
As people wonder why temporary dumps that have closed aren't being cleaned up, Mayor David Miller said such a move would be very difficult and not practical.
While the mayor didn't say so, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 416, wouldn't stand still while the piles of rotting, stinking garbage were trucked away.
posted on July 22, 2009
Embracing power of positive stinking
By: Vinay Menon
Published: Jul 21, 2009
Source: The StarI am now accepting the challenge of a reader who encouraged me to be more positive during the municipal strike.
Hang on. The TV in my office is blaring CP24 and a lawyer just said he believes the temporary dumpsites are illegal. That is, the city may be contravening its own official plan.
Now he's saying residents could go to court to seek an injunction? Now a caller is saying he believes the city is spraying the dumpsites with a grade of pesticide that violates environmental law? Now a headline on the news channel is asking, "What are your rights during the strike?"
posted on July 22, 2009
Trash talk obscuring strike's real toll
By: Royson James
Published: Jul 21, 2009
Source: the StarWhen 30,000 Toronto city workers enter Week 5 of a municipal strike, one can expect at least some of the following:
- Unemployed residents can't access relief through the welfare system because social services workers are walking the picket lines instead of processing applications for welfare payments.
- The head of infection control at Mount Sinai Hospital, unencumbered by the politics of managing public opinion, says more Torontonians will die from swine flu because 1,800 health department workers are on strike.
posted on July 22, 2009
City to resume issuing building permits
By: Paul Moloney
Published: Jul 21, 2009
Source: The StarHundreds of building permits sitting in the pipeline will now be issued as the City of Toronto seeks to resume services that had been crippled by the four-week strike.
Mayor David Miller announced today that enough workers have returned to the job to allow building officials to resume their regular dutiesof issuing permits.
As of today, about 550 workers have returned to work while 30,000 remain out on strike,reporters were toldduring a city hall briefing. "We could issue as many as 500 building permits by the end of the month," Miller said.
posted on July 24, 2009
Terence Corcoran: Toronto strike a union-made disaster
By: Terence Corcoran
Published: July 20, 2009
Source: The National PostThe cover of Maclean’s Ontario edition this week features Toronto Mayor David Miller. He’s sitting in a garbage can with a banana peel on his head, surrounded by trash and a pair of raccoons ready to nibble on the mayor’s rotting political tootsies — a not-so subtle homage to Mr. Miller’s assumed role, as a union-friendly lefty, in plunging Canada’s largest city into a prolonged garbage strike.
Turning on Mr. Miller is the thing to do these days in Toronto, where the city’s business and political elites — Liberal and Conservative — are reportedly ready to galvanize around an anybody-but-Miller campaign for the 2010 city elections. The Maclean’s cover plays right into the dump Miller movement.
posted on July 22, 2009
Nearly month in, city faces new challenge: strike fatigue
ARA WALTON/TORONTO STAR
If they achieve enlightenment on the strike, let's hope they share it with
the mayor and the union: Members of a group called Centre of Gravity met
July 19, 2009, to meditate at Christie Pits, overlooking a temporary dump
site, in an effort to better understand the city strike.They've made do till now, but residents' patchwork of survival strategies is beginning to wear thin
By: Jesse McLean, Vanessa Lu, Nick Kyonka
Published: Jul 20, 2009
Source: The StarAs partially functioning, fully stinky Toronto lurches its way into the second month of a civic workers' strike, weary residents including Chris Christodoulou have adjusted, repeatedly, but are running out of ingenious workarounds.
For the past 29 days, the owner of the popular Mediterranean restaurant Pan on the Danforth has stockpiled his business' organic waste and recyclables in his storefront – but his stack of cardboard is taller than he is, and he's out of room.
posted on July 22, 2009
Troubling 911 delay
Published: Jul 20, 2009
Source: The StarAs 59-year-old Jim Hearst lay dying, as many as four calls were made to 911 asking for an ambulance. Inexplicably, the paramedics were already at the Toronto apartment building for most of those calls.
Toronto EMS says the paramedics arrived at the scene in about nine minutes but did not enter the building until the final call telling them Hearst wasn't breathing. The paramedics were waiting outside due to concern for their safety, according to the head of Toronto EMS.
What were they afraid of? What are the safety protocols? Did their delayed response have anything to do with the municipal strike? There are far too many questions surrounding Hearst's death.
Wisely, the city has decided it ought not to leave it up to the ambulance service to investigate itself and provide the answers. At the city's request, the provincial Ministry of Health has launched its own investigation.
When the investigation is completed, the ministry says it will turn the results over to the city, which will decide what parts to make public. That is not good enough. There should be a commitment now to make the full provincial report public as soon as it is available.
posted on July 24, 2009
Toronto on Strike: Don't just blame Miller, blame the union too
By: Terry Corcoran
Published: July 20, 2009
Source: National PostThe cover of Maclean’s Ontario edition this week features Toronto Mayor David Miller. He’s sitting in a garbage can with a banana peel on his head, surrounded by trash and a pair of raccoons ready to nibble on the mayor’s rotting political tootsies — a not-so subtle homage to Mr. Miller’s assumed role, as a union-friendly lefty, in plunging Canada’s largest city into a prolonged garbage strike.
Turning on Mr. Miller is the thing to do these days in Toronto, where the city’s business and political elites — Liberal and Conservative — are reportedly ready to galvanize around an anybody-but-Miller campaign for the 2010 city elections. The Maclean’s cover plays right into the dump Miller movement.
posted on July 24, 2009
Toronto on strike: Walkout jeopardizes U of T Scarborough expansion
By: Rob Roberts
Published: July 20, 2009
Source: The National PostOnce again, Mississauga gets the jump on Toronto. Back in May, the University of Toronto announced two big projects: “instructional and laboratory complexes,” costing $70 million each, at its Mississauga and Scarborough campuses. Each project will create 700 construction jobs.
Out in Mississauga, where there is no city strike, workers are preparing to put up the hoarding “in a couple of weeks” for the new classroom and lab complex, U of T spokeswoman Laurie Stephens said today. “It’s full steam ahead.”
posted on July 24, 2009
Toronto on strike: Advice for David Miller
By: Peter Kuitenbrouwer
Published: July 20, 2009
Source: The National PostI got a nice note today from Joanna Shore. She sent a letter to the mayor, which the city server apparently bounced back with the explanation: “content rejected”. That, incidentally, is why I prefer Canada Post. But for the benefit of the mayor, and everyone else, here is some of the letter:
Dear Mayor Miller,
I live in Councillor Joe Mihevc’s ward and I wish to let you know that I support a strong stance against the union’s demands. Although I am inconvenienced by the strike, and have also been held up by picketers at Green P’s and garbage sites, I am still VERY PASSIONATE about ensuring that this city has a strong financial future. Giving into the union’s demands will negatively affect the financial sustainability of our city. Please do not give in.
posted on July 22, 2009
Strike won't dampen festival participants' devotion
Devotees sing their way down Yonge St. despite Festival of India being forced off Centre Island
By: Jason Miller
Published: Jul 19, 2009
Source: The StarOrganizers for the Festival of India had to dig deeper into festival funds after several hiccups caused by the ongoing Toronto city workers' strike pushed them off Centre Island.
"This has hit us hard financially," said the festival's chairperson, Krishna Sharma yesterday. "Suddenly we had to reorganize a brand new festival in about two weeks time."
posted on July 24, 2009
Not so trashy
By: Rob Roberts
Published: July 18, 2009
Source: National PostIn case you were wondering, it's been an unusually lovely summer in Toronto.
Not a single smog warning so far; the last extreme heat alert was in June.
The roads have been clear, as Torontonians head out to enjoy their cottages.
That trash strike you've been hearing so much about? Despite what you may have seen on TV, and read about in Lorne Gunter's Friday Post column (written from Alberta) suggesting that Toronto has become an acrid hellhole ( "The Upside of T. O.'s Great Stink"), most of us have hardly noticed.
posted on July 24, 2009
Law applies to some more than others
By: David Menzies
Published: July 18, 2009
Source: National PostThere's a solid waste transfer station on Disco Road near the airport. I drive by the facility on most mornings, and my eyes are greeted by illegally parked cars on both sides of Disco as well as illegally parked cars occupying the lawn beyond the curb.
The cars belong to CUPE members on strike, and although there are nearby side streets on which to park legally, alas, that would mean an arduous five-minute walk for the hardworking -- er, hard-striking -- rank and file.
Thus, Disco Road remains clogged thanks to a legion of under-educated, over-entitled trade unionists.
posted on July 24, 2009
Ambulance delays worry mayor
Policy of waiting for police should be examined, Miller says
By: Melissa Leong
Published: July 18, 2009
Source: National PostMayor David Miller expressed concerns yesterday about ambulance delays, saying a policy that enables paramedics to wait for police before responding should be examined after a recent heart-attack death.
"I'm concerned that what happened might possibly indicate weaknesses in the system well beyond the stresses brought about by a strike and I think it's important that we have an outside investigation so Torontonians know that it is impartial," Mayor Miller told reporters.
posted on July 24, 2009
'It's getting harder with every day'
Councillors facing prospect of a long civic workers' strike
By: Allison Hanes
Published: July 18, 2009
Source: National PostThe likelihood of a summer-long, no-end-insight strike by civic workers began to dawn on city hall this week -- including on Toronto's once union-friendly Mayor David Miller and his allies.
As the strike enters its fourth week, councillors who have stayed away from city hall to avoid crossing picket lines are contemplating a return to work as it becomes clear no quick resolution is in sight.
posted on July 18, 2009
Note to Miller: Blaming workers a poor strategy
By: Royson James
Published: Jul 18, 2009
Source: The StarIt's been more than a week since Mayor David Miller told striking city workers, "enough is enough," a desperate cry that moved few hearts and minds on the picket line.
Yesterday, Miller may have hardened union resolve by blaming the strikers for hurting Toronto's vulnerable people and threatening to sink the city into bankruptcy.
A week ago Miller tabled the first offer designed to spark action at the bargaining table. It offered a tiny pay raise and proposed to buy the workers out of their cushy sick-pay benefit the city has targeted for termination.
posted on July 18, 2009
Cooler temperatures, savvy Internet users deal CUPE weaker hand
By: Daniel Dale
Published: Jul 18, 2009
Source: The Star"Nobody understands what the hell is taking place with those guys. We've given them a super, super offer. I think they pissed away their summer, to be perfectly frank with you," Mayor Mel Lastman said at the beginning of the city workers' strike of 2002.
"These are difficult times for all of us, from the workers on the picket lines to the families with children in daycare," Mayor David Miller said at the beginning of the city workers' strike of 2009.
Lastman, characteristically, was shooting from the hip. Miller, characteristically, was speaking from a podium.
posted on July 18, 2009
Strikers told to halt 'offensive' activity at welfare offices
City threatens 'strongest possible action' unless picketers stop delaying non-unionized staff at social assistance sites
By: Laurie Monsebraaten
Published: Jul 18, 2009
Source: The StarHomeless for more than a year and penniless since she lost her wallet this week, Cynthia Cronkhite scraped together $2.75 for bus fare to travel to the north Etobicoke welfare office for help.
The office near Pearson airport is one of just three still operating since civic workers went on strike June 22. The remaining 11 offices are closed, forcing people such as Cronkhite, who lives near the city's Queensway office, to travel long distances for service.
posted on July 18, 2009
CITY WALKOUT: DAY 27
Mayor Miller wants to hear yes
ANDREW WALLACE/TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO
Mayor David Miller gives media a strike update at Metro Hall,
June 23, 2009.By: Vanessa Lu
Published: Jul 18, 2009
Source: The StarJust say yes.
That was Toronto Mayor David Miller's message to striking CUPE unions yesterday, insisting the city's offer, which he made public a week ago, was "fair and reasonable" with concessions now off the table.
Banked sick days, a major sticking point in the talks, would be eliminated under the offer, and immediate payouts, averaging $8,500, would be made instead.
"There's a real urgency at the table," Miller said. "We need to find a way ... for the parties to say yes. We can't say yes on our own."
But Local 416 president Mark Ferguson, who represents 6,200 outside workers, accused Miller of "deliberating misleading Torontonians when he suggests that the city is no longer demanding concessions," calling the elimination of the sick-time bank a huge concession.
posted on July 18, 2009
'Staging' by EMS workers needs review, mayor says
By: Donovan Vincent and Robyn Doolittle
Published: Jul 18, 2009
Source: the StarMayor David Miller says he's "concerned" the ambulance response in the Jim Hearst case could indicate "weaknesses" in the city's Emergency Medical Services system.
Hearst had a heart attack and died in his Alexander St. apartment building June 25. Witnesses and security recordings indicate it took EMS more than 30 minutes and several 911 calls before he was attended to in the main floor hallway.
posted on July 18, 2009
Something buggy around your trash?
By: Joseph Hall
Published: Jul 18, 2009
Source: The StarThink you're being bugged more by insects this strike-stunted summer? Well, despite the mounting mounds of garbage and wet weather, there's little evidence the city is facing an insect infestation, a Royal Ontario Museum entomologist says.
posted on July 18, 2009
Is Mark Ferguson the most hated man in Toronto?
You may be surprised to learn the obscure head of our outside workers union is a principled family guy who spends his spare time immersed in Eastern philosophy. And you'll be shocked to hear what the man he replaced as union head has to say about him
By: Leslie Scrivener
Published: Jul 18, 2009
Source: The StarA glimpse of Mark Ferguson's incoming emails. They are of a type: "I hate you with all my heart."
"You are a terrorist."
"I hope karma pays you a visit and you lose your job."
Ferguson, the 40-year-old president of Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 416, which, with inside workers from Local 79, has been on strike since June 22, does reply. Sometimes pedantically:
posted on July 18, 2009
George Smitherman squashes rumours
By: Robert Benzie and John Spears
Published: Jul 18, 2009
Source: the StarGeorge Smitherman insists the cleanup is about civic pride, not city politics. The deputy premier will lead another crusade today to pick up garbage in the strikebound city by hitting at least five "hot spots" where litter is piling.
posted on July 18, 2009
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Strike strands Habitat families
There is new provincial funding, but economy, city workers' strike is having a devastating effect
By: Tracy Hanes
Published: Jul 18, 2009
Source: The StarSummer has so far created a good news, bad news scenario for Habitat for Humanity Toronto.
The good news has come in the form of new provincial government funding, through Ontario's Affordable Housing Strategy (part of the Poverty Reduction Strategy), which will provide $50,000 to qualified purchasers toward the cost of an affordable home.
All approved Habitat purchasers will qualify for the program, says executive director Neil Hetherington. Habitat will receive the funds, which will be applied to reduce each purchaser's mortgage. If the homeowner sells the home before living in it for 20 years, the money is repaid to Habitat.
posted on July 18, 2009
Flu expert: 'More will die' if strike drags on
Instead of picketing, public health staff should be preparing for 2nd wave of swine flu
By: Theresa Boyle
Published: Jul 18, 2009
Source: Toronto StarToronto will see more deaths from the global H1N1 pandemic because of the civic workers' strike, warns the head of infection control at Mount Sinai Hospital.
"The bottom line is more people will die," microbiologist Dr. Allison McGeer, a respected authority on pandemic planning who has consulted for all three levels of government on the issue, said yesterday.
On the picket line are as many as 1,800 unionized employees from the Toronto Public Health Unit, which is supposed to be playing a critical role in the battle against the H1N1 influenza virus, particularly in planning for the second wave, which is feared to hit North America in September with a vengeance.
posted on July 24, 2009
Mayor talks tough to striking unions
Voicing impatience with slow pace of talks, Miller vows to crack down on picketers breaking law and hurting city's ‘most vulnerable'
By: Jennifer Lewington
Published: Jul. 17, 2009
Source: The Globe and MailUsing tough words as the city strike nears the one-month mark, Toronto Mayor David Miller vowed to “pursue every legal remedy” to allow residents, as well as strikers returning to work, to cross picket lines without harassment.
“There are a number of instances of pickets not complying with the law,” he told a news conference yesterday, including an incident when strikers barred fellow union members who were trying to go back to work at city welfare offices.
With the offices operating at reduced levels using non-union staff, the delays “are illegal, and are hurting the most vulnerable people,” the mayor charged.
posted on July 19, 2009
Source reveals timeline of Jim Hearst's wait for an ambulance
By: Melissa Leong
Published: July 17, 2009
Source: The National PostStrangers tended to Jim Hearst, a 59-year-old entrepreneur who was in distress and "turning blue" for at least 20 minutes before paramedics arrived, a source said. Here's a timeline, according to the source, based on recordings of calls between an Intelligarde dispatcher, a security guard on the scene and a 911 operator:
23:08: Manuel Rodriguez, a resident at 40 Alexander St. calls Intelligarde to report that "someone fell in the hallway" and is "bleeding from the face."
23:09: The dispatcher tells a security officer to attend the scene.
posted on July 19, 2009
Paramedics' wait-for-police policy should be examined: Mayor
By: Melissa Leong
Published: July 17, 2009
Source: The National PostMayor David Miller expressed concerns Friday about ambulance delays and said a policy that enables paramedics to wait for police before responding should be examined after Jim Hearst’s death.
“I’m concerned that what happened might possibly indicate weaknesses in the system well beyond the stresses brought about by a strike, and I think it’s important that we have an outside investigation so Torontonians know that it is impartial,” he told reporters.
posted on July 19, 2009
Toronto on strike: Pessimism deepens at city hall
By: Allison Hanes
Published: July 17, 2009
Source: The National PostThe likelihood of a summer-long, no-end-in-sight strike by civic workers began to dawn on city hall this week – including on Toronto’s once union-friendly Mayor David Miller and his allies.
As the strike enters its fourth week, councillors who have stayed away from city hall to avoid crossing picket lines are contemplating a return to work as it becomes clear no quick resolution is in sight.
“There does come a point where you really got to question how much longer you can keep things on hold,” said budget chief Shelley Carroll (Don Valley East). “If it wears on, this thing is going to become a different animal.
posted on July 19, 2009
CITY LOSING WAR OF NERVES
Union allowed to stop members from crossing line
By: Peter Kuitenbrouwer
Published: July 17, 2009
Source: The National PostToronto city manager Joe Pennachetti, seeking to get some wind in his sails after having had a rough go of it since the strike began on June 22, proudly announced this week that 615 CUPE members have applied to cross the picket line.
But how many of these 615 areactually working? Yesterday 10 of these workers, whom the city has returned to its payroll, lay in the grass or sat in folding chairs on Reading Court in Etobicoke, chatting and eating Timbits. One woman, shaded by two umbrellas, got halfway through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
posted on July 18, 2009
Seeing good amid the garbage
For some, the continuing walkout is a reason to compost, eat better and spend more time with grandma
By: Nancy J. White
Published: Jul 17, 2009
Source: the starNo sooner were their kids on the plane to England than Sharon Weller and her husband skedaddled downtown to join friends at a restaurant.
Since then, she spent a leisurely afternoon reading in the garden while he sailed with friends, and they caught a movie after work. For once, it wasn't PG.
posted on July 18, 2009
Is Ted Reeve Dr. city's smelliest street?
CARLOS OSORIO/TORONTO STAR
Residents organize a small protest at the Ted Reeve Drive dumpsite.
(July 16, 2009)The Star goes dumpster diving to sniff out the foulest-smelling part of the strike-ravaged city
By: Mary Ormsby
Published: Jul 17, 2009
Source: The StarIt's an assaulting stench that forces nostrils wide open and bullies a rancid gust down the gullet. Hand slaps over mouth and nose, pathetic protection against awakening gorge.
No wonder Ted Reeve Drive is deserted.
It is Toronto's stinkiest street. The city's Listeria Lane. Many families with young children are housebound, prisoners now that their east-end playground – just steps from their homes – is buried under a strikebound city's refuse.
posted on July 18, 2009
STRIKING AT 16
Time to grow up and fix strike mess
By: Tamie Dolny
Published: Jul 17, 2009
Source: the StarLife certainly can be unfair.
However, that doesn't mean it's time to give up.
Maybe I'm young, maybe I'm inexperienced, maybe I'm a bit too raw ... but I still believe that if you've got enough guts, enough cheek, enough nerve, you can change the world.
posted on July 19, 2009
Toronto on strike: City silent on pickets' blockade
By: Peter Kuitenbrouwer
Published: July 16, 2009
Source: The National PostInteresting how the City of Toronto's crack team of spokespeople clam up when they're faced with a tough question. Yesterday at 3 p.m. I asked them why in God's name the city is allowing pickets at its Social Services office, 1225 Kennedy Road, to keep out 17 CUPE members who want to cross the picket line and return to work. The press office, which has holed up in Metro Hall for the duration of the strike, has still not gotten back to me. (I tried them again this morning and got an answering machine.)
posted on July 19, 2009
Toronto on strike: CUPE tries to buy some sympathy with radio ads
By: Rob Roberts
Published: July 16, 2009
Source: The National PostToronto’s striking civic workers have launched a pair of radio ads designed to tug at the heartstrings of city residents about the unfairness of the city’s contract offer. The National Post’s Allison Hanes reveals five things Torontonians should know about the union’s message:
1 The radio spots began running on five Toronto stations this week. Pat Daley, a CUPE spokesperson, would not divulge their cost. “That’s our business,” said Ms. Daley, who acknowledged it was funded by the CUPE national strike fund.
posted on July 19, 2009
'No' vote overwhelming, Windsor strike goes on
By: Trevor Wilhelm
Published: July 16, 2009
Source: The National PostWINDSOR, Ont. -- The long and bitter strike of municipal employees will continue after CUPE members voted overwhelmingly on Thursday against the city's latest contract offer.
"It was an incredible vote, better than I could have ever hoped for. It was a clear resounding no," said CUPE Local 543 president Jean Fox, who represents inside workers.
"It's in the mayor and council's court. They're going to have to determine what they're going to do, because our members are strong after 14 weeks.
posted on July 19, 2009
City of Windsor, strikers clash over back-to-work protocol
By: Canwest News Service
Published: July 16, 2009
Source: The National PostWINDSOR, Ont. -- Confusion reigned Thursday morning as striking CUPE workers filing into a hall to vote on an employer offer that could end their three-month strike were being met at the door by non-union city managers passing out documents.
Copies of the two-page "return to work agreement" advised employees that, should they accept the city's offer, they will return to work on Monday. Angry CUPE workers gathered outside the hall for the vote on the city's "final offer" were yelling "no vote, no vote."
Jean Fox, CUPE local 543 president, called it an undermining of negotiations.
"If there was a chance of returning to work today, they blew it," she said. Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis said the documents were being handed out by the employer after CUPE leaders told strikers there was no such agreement. "We're getting calls from members -- are you gonna fire us all?" Mr. Francis said Thursday morning. Windsor Star
posted on July 18, 2009
Teen striker gets column-writing job
For duration of city strike Tamie Dolny, 16, to write for the Star
Published: Jul 16, 2009
Source: The StarAfter my article, "My name is Tamie. I'm 16. And I'm on strike," appeared in the Star and thestar.com yesterday, I was surprised by the response. The article's purpose was to provide a different perspective on the strike, a striker's opinion. I wrote it to generate not sympathy for us but understanding.
posted on July 18, 2009
Contracts, programs worth millions in limbo
By: John Spears and Paul Moloney
Published: Jul 16, 2009
Source: The StarJohn Aquino's company has a contract worth nearly $90 million, and up to 150 jobs, riding on the outcome of the city workers' strike.
Aquino is vice-president of Bondfield Construction, which last month was confirmed as the low bidder for an overhaul of the Milliken water pumping station and reservoir that serve both Toronto and York Region.
posted on July 18, 2009
Strike hampers housing project
Without city permits, work on YWCA complex for women and children will likely grind to a halt
By: Laurie Monsebraaten
Published: Jul 16, 2009
Source: The StarConstruction on an $80-million non-profit housing complex for 300 vulnerable women and children will likely grind to a halt in two weeks because striking Toronto planning staff haven't issued the necessary permits, says the YWCA Toronto, which broke ground on the project in January.
posted on July 16, 2009
Toronto on strike: They want to work, but their union won't let them
By: Kuitenbrouwer
Published: July 16, 2009
Source: The National PostA dozen unionized City of Toronto employees lay on beach blankets and sat in folding chairs outside a welfare office in Scarborough yesterday, working on their tans.
These workers (pictured above), most of them young women, want to cross the picket line and return to their jobs helping Toronto’s least fortunate, but striking workers with Local 79 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees will not let them in.
They are being paid, but they cannot enter their workplace, and the city is letting it happen.
posted on July 16, 2009
A Trashman Pays The Price
Testament to the dangers of garbage collection
By: Joe Warmington
Published: Jul 16, 2009
Source: Toronto SunEver since a rat defecated on a garbage bag, it has been a dark few years for Jake Roncetti.
Literally.
"It is so painful I have to stay in the basement sometimes because of the pain," he said yesterday. "It's like somebody hit me in the head with a shovel."
His "so-supportive" wife of 38 years, Melody, calls it The Cave.
It's often the only place where Jake can hide from the horrors of his post-listeria infection.
posted on July 16, 2009
Someone will have to pay for a two-tier job system
By: Margaret Wente
Published: Jul 16, 2009
Source: The Globe and MailToronto's garbage strike is about as popular as a skunk at a picnic. As the streets get messier and smellier, public support for the union seems to be hovering at zero. Why? Because the garbage workers are striking to hang on to benefits unknown to the rest of us, including a cushy deal that allows them to pile up sick days and cash them in when they retire.
The sick days have caused public outrage. But they're the tip of the entitlement iceberg. Across the country, the compensation gap between public- and private-sector jobs has grown increasingly wide.
The garbage workers are typical. Their hourly wage is about 20 per cent higher than in the private sector. They have a gold-plated benefits plan, to which they contribute not a cent. After 10 years service, their jobs are guaranteed. Workers with top seniority get seven weeks vacation. Then there's the pension - a generous defined benefits plan, guaranteed by you and me.
posted on July 16, 2009
City asks province to investigate alleged EMS delay
By: Melissa Leong
Published: Jul 16, 2009
Source: National PostThe city has asked the Ministry of Health to look into the death of a 59-year-old man who was allegedly in distress for at least 20 minutes before paramedics arrived.
Bruce Farr, Chief of Toronto Emergency Medical Services, made the request today regarding the June 25th incident at 40 Alexander St.
The Ministry, as well as the coroner’s office, are investigating whether a delay in emergency service lead to Jim Hearst’s death. He apparently died of cardiac arrest.
posted on July 16, 2009
Death's possible Toronto strike links to be probed
Published: Jul 16, 2009
Source: cbcnews.caIn a move that appears to be an attempt to deflect inquiries and criticism, the City of Toronto has asked the province to investigate the death of a Toronto man, in which some have said the city's public service strike may have played a role.
The city says because of the investigation it will have "no further comment" about the death.
In a news release on Thursday morning the city said it has "requested the Ontario Ministry of Health to conduct an investigation into the call for Emergency Medical Services that took place on June 25 at 40 Alexander St."
posted on July 16, 2009
BLOOR WEST: Residents to protest Campbell Park dump site
By: Lisa Rainford
Published: Jul 16, 2009
Source: insidetoronto.comAs soon as they discovered the city had designated Campbell Park as one of three new dump sites Wednesday, nearby residents Virginia Novak and Jack Fava set about organizing a protest.
"We understand the garbage has to be placed somewhere, but why always parks where our children play right next to the skating rink," Novak said.
Located in the Lansdowne Avenue and Dupont Street area, Campbell Park is one of two parks in the city where kids play soccer, Novak pointed out.
"With the stench from the garbage where are they supposed to play," she asked. "We are concerned about the rodents, the flies that will come as a result, not to mention other critters."
posted on July 15, 2009
Sick days still a sticking point
Worker won't forgo banked time for latest contract offer from city
By: Jesse McLean
Published: Jul 15, 2009
Source: The StarIf the striking municipal workers had accepted the city's latest offer, David would have received $700 for his 82 unused sick days.
After the parks employee did the math, he decided the deal just wasn't worth it.
"I would rather keep the sick days. They're worth a lot more than the city's offering," said David, who declined to give his last name, saying the union has asked its members not to speak with the press.
David has worked for the city for about nine years.
posted on July 15, 2009
Did EMS delay cause man's death?
By: Donovan Vincent and Dale Anne Freed
Published: Jul 15, 2009
Source: The StarA claim that paramedics refused to enter a downtown condo building to help a dying man because of concerns for their "health and safety" has been refuted by the good Samaritan who tried to save him.
"It was not a dangerous situation. It's a very safe building, extremely safe," said Manuel Rodriguez, who administered CPR to the man in a main floor hallway while paramedics waited outside for police.
posted on July 15, 2009
CITY WALKOUT: DAY 24
Is Smitherman aiming for City Hall?
Published: Jul 15, 2009
Source: The StarToronto has another politician stalking its streets with a broom.
Deputy premier George Smitherman, MPP for Toronto Centre, helped about 30 residents on a cleanup in his riding yesterday.
When asked why he was doing work normally performed by striking city workers, Smitherman replied:
"Why is that a concern? I think that a lot of people are going to say: Hey, there's a guy who actually knows how to operate a broom.'"
Mayor David Miller used a broom as a symbol in his 2003 campaign for mayor.
posted on July 15, 2009
CITY WALKOUT: DAY 24
Trash services duck provincial approval
The piles are high but the skyline is safe. It's just a question of keeping it all in perspective
By: Kenyon Wallace
Published: Jul 15, 2009
Source: The StarAri Ditkofsky knows a good business opportunity when he sees one.
The 26-year-old entrepreneur started his own garbage collection service the day after Toronto's civic workers went on strike. What he didn't know was that accepting cash for trash without provincial approval is illegal.
"We got really big and were doing really well," said Ditkofsky, who netted $10,000 in just 10 days of hauling residential trash. "When I found out it was illegal, which we didn't know from the get-go, I figured it wasn't worth it. I thought, let's take our winnings and leave a winner."
posted on July 15, 2009
City to open three new dump sites
Temporary dumps at Earlscourt Park, Ted Reeve Arena and Wishing Well Park to close this evening
By: John Spears
Published: Jul 15, 2009
Source: The StarToronto will close three temporary garbage dump sites at 7 p.m. today, and open three new ones at 7 a.m. tomorrow.
The three new sites are:
- The parking lot at Clairlea Park Arena, 45 Fairfax Crescent, west of Warden Ave., north of St. Clair Ave. E.;
- The outdoor rink at Campbell Park, 225 Campbell Avenue (near Lansdowne and Dupont) Enter off Campbell Ave., north of Wallace Ave.;
- The parking lot at L'Amoreaux Park, 100 Silver Springs Blvd., east of Birchmount Rd., north of Finch Ave. E.
posted on July 15, 2009
Enough trash talk about striking workers
By: Antonia Zerbisias
Published: Jul 15, 2009
Source: The StarOh, the garbage about the garbage.
It stinks how Toronto is so focused on garbage collectors and their sick days – as if they are the only strikers in this now 24-day-long labour dispute between the city and some 30,000 workers.
Yes, I know it's the pits at Christie Pits.
I count myself lucky that the parks through which I walk my dog are turning into meadows filled with daisies, chicory, Queen Anne's lace and other wildflowers. There are no rat-infested mountains on my turf.
That, and I have been made shockingly aware of my carbon footprint.
posted on July 16, 2009
Toronto on strike: Public losing patience
By: Allison Hanes
Published: Jul 15, 2009
Source: National PostPatience among the public is running out with the 24-day-old strike by 30,000 civic workers.
About three dozen office workers from the same company showed up at Nathan Phillips Square this afternoon to urge both Mayor David Miller and two city unions to forge a deal – fast.
Another anti-strike rally is planned for later today at the Opera House on Queen Street East, where Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 416, representing outdoor workers, are holding a solidarity party.
posted on July 15, 2009
I'm Tamie, 16 and on strike
Teen gets tossed among big, smelly men and asks you to show them some respect
By: Tamie Dolny\\ SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Published: Jul 15, 2009
Source: The StarI'm supposed to be working as a lifeguard and swimming instructor this summer at Etobicoke's Memorial Pool. Instead, as a member of CUPE Local 79, I'm on strike.
And on Canada Day, I picketed at the Ingram Transfer Station.
I've never really spent time with a group of men. Boys, certainly, but not honest-to-God men. And to tell you the truth, they're not that different – just bigger, fatter, smellier, hairier, taller and wider.
posted on July 15, 2009
Time for unions to seize city's sweetened offer
By: Marcus Gee
Published: Jul. 15, 2009
Source: The Globe and MailNow comes the moment of truth. The city's new contract offer to striking workers presents them with a stark choice: accept what looks like a pretty fair deal in hard times, or stay off the job for weeks, perhaps months, in hopes of getting something better.
The answer is blindingly obvious. If they have any sense of reality, the city unions will seize this offer like a drowning man grabs a life ring and end their futile walkout now.
The city wage offer of 7.2 per cent over four years is reasonableness incarnate. Provincial workers got 7.75 per cent over four years in their latest contract, federal workers 6.8 per cent. In London, Ont., city workers accepted a two-year contract with a 1 per cent raise in the first year and 2.65 per cent in the second.
posted on July 15, 2009
Striking city workers are doing the math on banked sick day payouts
Though unions have angrily rejected latest offer, many union members are giving it a good hard look
By: Marcus Gee
Published: Jul. 15, 2009
Source: The Globe and MailStriking municipal unions have angrily rejected the city's latest contract offer, but many union members are giving it a good hard look all the same.
City officials say that, as of Monday afternoon, more than 28,000 people had visited a special website that lays out the details of the proposed deal.
The site's most popular feature is a built-in calculator that allows strikers to figure out the size of the payout they would get when the city winds up their outmoded sick leave plan. That plan, fiercely defended by the city unions, allows workers to bank unused sick days at a rate of 18 a year and trade them in for cash when they retire. Following the lead of many other cities, Toronto proposes to replace the system and compensate workers with a one-time cash payout.
posted on October 09, 2009
3 temporary dumps open, 3 close
Published: July 15, 2009
Source: CBC newsTemporary garbage drop-off, Permanent garbage drop-off
Toronto is closing three temporary dumps and opening three new ones as it tries to deal with growing garbage piles because of the strike by civic employees.
Wishing Well Park, Earl's Court Park and Ted Reeve Arena are to be closed at the end of the day on Wednesday. According to Geoff Rathbone, the city's manager of solid waste, the sites "are at capacity."
Three new locations will open on Thursday morning: Campbell Park, Clairlea Park Arena and L'amoreaux Park.
Rathbone said that in spite of the city's best efforts, illegal dumping continues. Bylaw officers, he said, have issued 328 tickets for illegal dumping, along with over 6,800 warnings.
The end of garbage collection has been the most obvious effect of the strike, which began on June 22.
Both inside and outside workers — about 24,000 workers — walked off the job to back their contract demands.
City manager Joe Pennachetti said negotiations are continuing. "We are at the table, literally, 24 hours a day and we are talking and things are moving forward."
Content last modified on October 16, 2009, at 09:31 PM EST