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July 04, 2009 at 11:01:23 PM
Mike, Toronto
I believe people should take care of themselves - does anyone have a pickup truck - I'm sure lots of people will be happy to pay a few bucks to get rid of their garbage.

The only thing I can blame the city for is that it didn't replace all unionized workers in anticipation of the strike.

Unions are things from the past and should stay there.

July 04, 2009 at 3:36:46 AM
Shane of North York
I know that lots of city workers dont want to be on strike right now. Now i am going to keep EMS, social workers( because i do know what you guys do go through) out of this, For you guys I say fight for what you NEED and ONLY NEED.

As for you outdoor workers, my god I dont know how many times I've seen you people sitting in you trucks or vans with your feet up, get back to work to earn your money.

For the out door workers that are welcoming people to try an apply for your jobs. If the managers would accept a GR. 10 rather than grade 12 sure i would. Why do you need GR. 12 to through garbage into a garbage truck. It's only common sence that you don't do anything stupid!!!!

Now for you parks maintanence folk, how hard is it to steer a lawn-tractor, push a lawn-mower or use a weed-wacker. What do you need all these sick days for. I can see if i ever seen you people do anything else but I NEVER DO.

Now for the striker, please dont block the resident there right to dispose of there garbage safely.

Now for this YAHOO Mr. Miller, sooner or later he's going to have to deal with not only unions, strikers or even protesters, but he's going to have to deal with rioters. I've seen it happen due to city strikes( garbage, city run programs, ect.)

So Miller and union reps, JUST GET IT SETTLED ALREADY.

Again I'm not for any side of this now, I'm just one of the ones stuck in the middle of this battle.

July 04, 2009 at 1:18:08 PM
Leeann
I agree Unions are a thing of the past! With a recession on our hands this strike is not what this city needs. Why should hundreds, thousand, whatever the number have to feel the effects of this strike? What about all the struggling parents who have no choice but to work; who depend on summer camps or daycares to help? I firmly believe that a back to work rule should be put into play or start another garbage collection company and rid of unionized workers altogether. There are to many people jobless and in desparate search for anyone willing to hire. Besides there are millions of other people working for alot less and working a million times harder to just barely make it by! The union needs to wipe those tears and get back to work!!!!!!

July 04, 2009 at 2:11:08 PM
Alex
Since the City Workers salaries are paid by my tax dollars I believe I should have a say at their contract "negotiations". I think the entire contract should be up for discussion.

If the workers feel they deserve more, I welcome them to go out into the world and get whatever they can.

A private sector employer will pay what they believe the employee deserves.

I see no difference here. We should get the most value for our money.

And yes... it is our money.

July 04, 2009 at 2:22:20 PM
Donna
How do I start a petition for back to work legislation for parents left finding alternate day care? Do any of these people realize the damage they could be doing. I'm lucky, I have retired parents willing to help me, but it must be shortening their life and health having to deal with a 2 year old in their early 70's!How many children might be abused, mentally, physically, because they are being left with people they shouldn't be because the parents have no choice if they need the money to keep a roof over their heads.

July 04, 2009 at 2:42:43 PM
Louis from Toronto
I wonder why the City workers have to strike. During such economic recession, they are asking to have the unused sick leaves accumulated and turned into money after their retirement. Such request is unreasonable as they are having stable and well-paid job that not lots of Canadian can have.
Who can satisfy such high demanding need?

July 04, 2009 at 2:55:14 PM
T.J
Time For david Miller to just contract garbage out. Get rid of the union.
Y let them hold the city by the balls? they dont want to work find someone who will.

I hear Miller waste is a good company.

July 04, 2009 at 3:28:36 PM
John Neil
All that the workers are asking for is a fair deal. The City was the one that instituted the carry-over of sick days to save money in the past.
Why should people not have reliable, full-time work and fair pay? Why are people calling for the lowest common denominator?
Why not permenant full-time jobs? That way we have people who can invest in homes and other assets. Part-time and contract employees cannot do that. It is better for the economy for us to have more, not fewer, full-time permanen positions.
I support this dispute and will have to put up with the inconveniences until the City agrees to a fair deal for its employees.

July 04, 2009 at 3:51:23 PM
Just get back to work
Privatize, everyone says. I am not too sure if you guys know what it means. Remember the 407. How cheap it used to be. It goes private and now no one can tell them how much they can charge.

This is a summer to remember. The rescission, the fall out of many companies, job losses, N1H1, and now as a bonus, The Strike. I get how they were not asking more, they were just wanting to keep what they had. They could have done it without a strike. Just keep working and talking. If there is no contract signed, then just keep talking. There has to be a medium somewhere.

July 04, 2009 at 5:25:27 PM
Beh G.
Toronto residents should have the right to move to privatized garbage pick-up. You tell anyone in the Western world that we have our garabge picked up bi-weekly and they will laugh at you. Tell them that you pay $15 for a large bin on top of that and they will almost start crying for you! This is ridiculous and enough is enough. There are plenty of waste management companies that can pick-up your garabe for $5 a pick-up and as often as you like. So, why do we need to pay into a poorly managed system with ridculously over-paid and unappreciative workers is beyond me. Doesn't the Competition Act apply to the City of Toronto?!

July 04, 2009 at 5:32:47 PM
AJ - Watching from Alberta...
300+ workers have already asked to go back to work... the city needs to get an Injunction to prevent the strikers from blocking any City Properties, and then start hiring replacement workers to do their jobs... Why on earth do they feel its necessairy to be able to bank and then cash out sick days?? Obviously they only think about themselfs... Oh wait...Their Local 79 members..

July 04, 2009 at 5:45:53 PM
james
I guess it is pointless to comment on the present situation for as a Sanitation employee I am the enemy of the day but tomorrow I'll be a hero when your garbage - recycling & green ( sewage pails ) are collected again. Sure I get some half decent benefits and so do all other CITY OF TORONTO employees including Cops - Firemen - TTC If I was a Board Of Education flunky on strike you would really hit the roof they get 24 sick days a year lol

July 04, 2009 at 6:46:34 PM
Mike
Get rid of unions and problem is solved. Getting rid of all unions in this country would make things a lot better.
Also, get these strikers fired, privatize the service, lower our taxes and let us pay for garbage collection individually.

July 04, 2009 at 7:22:26 PM
Brian
I work at the harbourfront, and let me tell you, there is nothing more pleasant then having to drive through Chinatown with piles of garbage rotting on the streets, and then having to shatter the dreams of tourists when I tell them the ferries aren't running to the island. All thanks of course to the local 416 & 79 respectively, being selfish as usual, and causing 2 million residents, most of whom ARE NOT sympathetic, to suffer through this horrible mess. Shame on both union bosses for finding it necessary to hold the city hostage over complete STUPIDITY. They're pathetic!!

July 04, 2009 at 7:50:57 PM
J
I'm sure many would agree...
Fire the Union workers and hire new people. At least this way those overpaid smacktards will be out of a job and we can move on with our lives!! :)

July 04, 2009 at 8:13:46 PM
rick
Are you students for real? Do you know anything. Maybe you should go back to studying. Legislating them back to work means in the end they get to keep those sick days. You think that your parents are taxed to death, wait till you graduate and pay taxes. Because you sold out for a few dollars, you sold out your future. Why do they always say our children are our future? Wake up kids your teaches have brain washed you. There is no Utopia. There is only the "Animal Farm". There will be no services and you will pay out through your ear in taxes, whether its city, provincial or federal taxes.

July 04, 2009 at 8:17:47 PM
NoMoreMiller Please
These students do not understand the real world. They are concerned about loosing their $10 per hour job while other union members fight and sacrifice money for food, shelter, and family for their beliefs.
CUPE 79 and 416 should Both ban all advocates of this petition from the union. Their actions are similar to crossing the picket line. The reality is that these potential employees will (if hired) be part of the union, if the union accepts them.
Lastly as a tax payer I am not interested in the labour issues being decided by an arbitrator because it is obvious that both unions will receive all of their requests. Miller made another mistake by giving other unions what they want and Spending the City Broke, he set the standard. He has more then doubled the cost of living in Toronto for middle class people since he became mayor and he spends sooo much that Toronto is still broke.

July 04, 2009 at 8:30:09 PM
Ricardo
You got yourself into this mess. You have not voted or have allowed the left wing union loving councilors to run this city down to the ground for the last 20 years. Where are the other voiceless, gutless councilors of the people. Hey take a stand. Show us whose side you are on.
In the end the city workers will keep their sick day benefits not matter what. We are so easily manipulated. Heys its only 2 weeks and we are fighting amoung ourselves. The Unions and Mayor Millar is laughing. He gave in to the police and the TTC. The garbage workers stand is all show. He know we are wimps, we allowed Lastman to call the Army. We won't remember a thing as soon as its over. We have forgotten about how the TTC has screwed us over. And I mean really screwed us over. If they can do that, don't you think the City workers didn't notice. We'll see a song and dance and when its over, they have won again. Thanks idiots. I have always voted right wing. When they screw me like they will as well, I still have my police, TTC and my garbage is still collected. Ooops, maybe thats not good either.

July 04, 2009 at 8:41:04 PM
gigi
Bottom line is that we are in a quote unquote Global recession. The fact we all know someone that has been laid off, still looking for work, and hasn't received any type of substantial increase in wage for the longest time...makes my stomach turn when i hear about the outcry over such silly spoiled benefits that are totally undeserved.What else do they want a bib and silver spoon. If I was mayor I would give them a good old fashion "fu@* o** then" and show them the door. Go find another job!

July 04, 2009 at 8:41:13 PM
Lori, Toronto
Many private companies have canceled yearly bonus, some benefits (family events)and more and the Financial industry have placed a freeze on hiring (no replacing anyone leaving or sick). Maybe city workers, including government officials should also look at the times and respect the peoples' income taxes paid go to the many needs of ALL individuals. Why should our income have to provide lavish extras for government employees of all levels?

July 04, 2009 at 9:59:36 PM
tina
Doesn't anyone get it. The city saves 28 + million a week having no workers and no programs. Toronto is broke, but it wont be.. give it a few more weeks! They will send them back towork and all will be good with the world...but... its the workers damm money!

July 05, 2009 at 10:27:31 PM
Sam
Go ahead, John Niel. You are free to support the strike. This is a free world that you can do whatever you want to, or don't want to. Do not not stop others from doing what they want to do. The strikers have no rights to block others who want to work, who want to use the transfer stations, who want to use the temporary dump sites. I am wondering why the police allow this behaviour. Purposely blocking people at the transfer station is illegal.

July 05, 2009 at 11:27:05 PM
Nazneen Hoque - Toronto.
Do these people realize that they have a job to go to?? Have a paycheck at the end of every two weeks?? Have food for the children. I don't think so. How selfish can you be. UNION, another way of getting paid and not doing anything other than steering up people's Brains and giving lip service. They should ALL, including the leaders, be sacked and hire people who have recently been laid off. Give them a taste of really not having enough. The worst is some of them don't even want to do this and are forced into this situation. Talk about health and safety, Good job UNION LEADERS. You guys really know how to screw up people. My hats off for all of you. I came from a poor, third world country, even there I never saw such selfishness. I am literally disgusted. True colours showing.

July 05, 2009 at 12:53:49 AM
Caroline, Toronto
This whole situation is disgusting. The Union is too powerful and the members have a disjointed view of the world we're living in. I don't care what they are asking for, these people have so much job security and competitive salaries and bonuses which is so much more than most of us have these days!

As a resident of Toronto, I'm so embarrassed to live here. I want a new mayor appointed and some of our city services privatised so this never happens again!

July 05, 2009 at 8:02:15 AM
pat
i think they have a right to strike,they are only fighting to keep what they have and what miller gave them.does anyone ever think about the garbage men in the hot heat picking up there garbage or the freezing cold.these men work hard for their money.try throwing garbage for a day and see what you think then.if this was your job you would strike to..

July 05, 2009 at 10:29:44 AM
Bob from Scarborough
Unions have outlived their usefulness. Alex makes a very valid point, in that we, the tax payers, should have a say in these negotiations. Perhaps the city should open the garbage contracts for bidding, and the union can make their best offer along with the private companies.

My other rant is with the residents of this city. Where is all of this garbage coming from? Our garbage and green bins are still only half full, but our recycling Bin is overflowing. It's time we all start living a simpler, less wasteful life.

July 05, 2009 at 11:07:50 AM
Chris
This is all bogus. It's time to set a precedent that this will not be tolerated and fire/re-hire all of the city employees. They are just paving the way for the next wave of inconvenient strikes to hit the city. It's a vicious cycle. Civil servants regulating civil servants. Bogus.

July 05, 2009 at 11:10:38 AM
ThunderTongue Toronto
We lose thousands of Canadian jobs each year to mexico and India. As a country we import more each year from China than we make in our own country. Has everyone forgot why we are in this recession? Private sector/Corporate greed and coruption. Unions are needed more than ever. Who else is going to stand up for the average worker? Private sector employers where the CEO is getting millions in bonuses? City counsel who gave themselves a 2.42% "cost of living" increase and then froze all non unionized staff salaries giving no increase? obviously not the general public who wants to fire the workers and privitize the services to "people who are desperate for work" Etobicoke outsources their services: It pays $18.00/Hr with limited benefits. Workers earn between 29,000-31,000 a year. Could you support your family on this salary?

July 05, 2009 at 11:28:35 AM
trolly
to the summer students: go to Metro Hall and sign up to go back to work! that simple!! Go in groups and take the media with you, that way those picketers will watch what they say/do when you cross the line!
Also, use ure cameras/fb/twtr like the students in iran did - none of these picketers want to have their faces on camera shouting obscenities!

July 05, 2009 at 11:47:07 AM
Feed Up Cindy
All that I can say is, I am ASHAMED. I havent heard this happen anywhere else in Canada and as often then in TORONTO. Wow, all we get is blah blah from Miller, Blah Blah from the Union and in general just pure Blah Blah Blah...I must admit at least the garbage is more contained then in 2002.

July 05, 2009 at 11:47:31 AM
Marcus, Toronto
Let them strike for they will have to clean it up later anyway! Then instead of picking up garbage as they would...They'll have to mop up the toxic garbage later. Ewwww. As for the summer students, Tim Hortons are seeking employees, go there.

July 05, 2009 at 1:45:30 PM
Alex, Toronto
Fire them all. Open the job bids to those who will be willing to do it. I bet at the price paid by the city there will be no shortage of volunteers.

As a temporary measure, I suggest dumping your garbage on the parking lot and front yards of the striking unions.

July 05, 2009 at 1:55:56 PM
Kevin in Taxoronto.
I agree with the statement about taxpayers having a say in the negotiation process. It's my tax dollars being used to pay these people, therefore, open the contact up for a referendum! I won't speak for Paramedics and Social Workers, but there is absolutely no way in Hades that a garbage collector deserves to earn the kind of wage they are earning. These leeches are riding the coat-tails of the other educated / skilled CUPE brothers and sisters, and thus reducing the public's ability to get quality service from Paramedics and Social Workers because garbage collectors are extracting valuable tax dollars that could be used elsewhere. My vote is to outsource ALL unskilled work in the city and pay the rest a fair living wage. I see absolutely no reason why I should be subsidizing the wages of unskilled workers just because they've been with the city for 20 years! Oh, and by the way, outsource the most unskilled city employee - Miller!

July 05, 2009 at 3:37:38 PM
Lois - Scarborough
I think Mayor Miller should resign.Has the real problem been mentioned? They are also striking because the retired city employees are fighting to keep their pensions. The people that have retired are afraid their going to lose their pensions.and the ones that are going to retire in the future won't have any pensions comung to them.What's the use of contributing to a pension if their not going to receive one. Miller and his city councillers probably get one. Toronto does not need new streetcars right now. Put important things first MILLER.

July 05, 2009 at 3:39:17 PM
D.E.
Can't the city government acquire private contractors through bidding process to get the best offer of service at the least price?

July 05, 2009 at 3:49:04 PM
steve milley
there is no reason that unskilled public sector union employees deserve 4 times(including all benefits)the pay than the private sector. PERIOD!

July 05, 2009 at 5:00:06 PM
Sierra Anderson
Why scream "PRIVATIZE! PRIVATIZE!" when these are the companies that can charge whatever they please. It always starts out good & cheap but slowly over time the rates will increase to the point we'll be crying for the government to intervene. But they`ll just snicker because as far as they're concerned they gave the people what they wanted. I like the 407 example because the rates doubled in Feb `09 and there wasn`t anything anyone could do about it.

I don't think unions are a thing of the past. People who say that are just bitter because they don't have the support of a union in their corner. Get over yourselves! Unions need to be the future - the big corporations & government agencies certainly aren't looking out for the little guy.

So the city is crying broke. When has Toronto not been broke. Our property taxes went up , vehicle registration fee started along with numerous user fees for programs that were covered by our taxes to begin with. The workers shouldn't have to pay for the recession - they didn't create it. Where's the bailout packages for the millions of hard-working families in the city & across the country? People should be outraged about city councillors using tax dollars for private french lessons instead of a poor city worker wanting better benefits so her kid can get braces.
Lastly, I say let the garbage collectors & outdoor workers relax in their trucks. How many of us can honestly say we wouldn't mind sitting beside a collector, in all his garbage covered overalls, over lunch at a restaurant or sharing a table at Timmy's while he's on his break.
These are trying times for everyone & we all need to try and hang in there a little while longer.

July 05, 2009 at 5:47:20 PM
Franck - Mississauga
I strongly agree with the comments of Leeann, Alex,Louis, .
There are so many people jobless and in desperate need of work and work twice or thrice as much as city workers to make their ends meet. My heart goes out especially to those, not so fortunate, struggling families where parents have to keep their children in Daycare, so that they can make it to work. And this strike is causing so much more struggle and pain to these already struggling families. How selfish and egoistic these union people could be. The union needs to wipe those tears and get back to work!!!!!!

July 05, 2009 at 7:24:08 PM
Devin
The strike has gone long enough!!! Its time to take out the trash and end MILLERS reign on our cripled city

Lifelong Torontonian resident

July 05, 2009 at 7:39:50 PM
Bill
The city will gladly allow the strike to go on for a month because they are in a $35,000,000 + deficit and with 20,000 workers on strike they will save $50,000,000 that they would have had to pay in salaries.
Don't look for he government to go back to the table or legislate the workers back until the end of July.

As for the Union, everyone of the union representatives that are employed by CUPE are still recieving a pay cheque while the employes are not.
If the employees walk a picket line 5 days a week for 4 hours per day or 2 8 hour over nights they could get a max pay of $200 per week.

July 05, 2009 at 7:43:58 PM
Robbie
I as the wife of a very hardworking dedicated City Worker would love to see them back to work. He is one of very few who actually works and does not take lunch or breaks. I think the Mayor should take a look at his 8% raise and if cuts need to be made maybe they need to be the ones who take the pay cuts, why take them from the working families. They don't make $35/hr as previously stated by many. I feel for the families living where thos temp. dump sites are and I hope their pets and children are not hurt by any of these chemicals that they are spraying.

July 05, 2009 at 8:55:16 PM
Nick
City workers dont want strike, City wants the strike to continue as they know from 90% favouring strike the amount of people votin in total was about 2000 people.

Strike is not only hurting residents and visitors of Toronto but also the EMPLOYEES so residents suck it up WE DONT WANT TO BE ON STRIKE, and FYI its not a paid vacation as everyone believes we still get paid during strike (full wage)

July 05, 2009 at 9:02:11 PM
tryingtobefair
After reading some of the things people have said I have decided I just couldn’t keep my mouth shut.

I work in the private sector. I get a nice bonus at Christmas, I get paid time off. I work from the comfort of my home on days where I don’t feel like going into the office. I also have an unlimited sick bank and my company has a strong economic outlook.

Yep life is great for me but that’s because I was smart. I learned that a life in manufacturing was a dead end and offered no security. I recognized that the auto industry was a sinking ship.

All you whiners’ that have been laid off you have no one to blame but yourself.

July 05, 2009 at 10:09:18 PM
A.V
i just graduated from College, to go on the Social Service Worker field. I worked my butt off to get good marks, to exceed in everything to be abelt to work for the City and help thoes in need. And just as i get my new job we have to go on strike because people dont appreciate our job or those of other city workers!??? are you KIDDING ME!?!?!? its just not fair. i think its horrible for people to have to put up with garbage on their parks because people cant compromise. i think its sad that Paramedics and other city workers can't continue their extraordinary job because people cannot come to an agreement. I want to go back to work because I LOVE working for this city, helping people and letting them know what us city workers are capable of doing. But now, i have to let my clients down because people cannot compromise.

July 06, 2009 at 10:51:54 PM
Ruff Ready
Windsor's doing just fine and will leave them out until Winter comes and the contract snow removers take over.
Stay strong and don't give in.

The tall grass is quite country-like but they aren't going to win. If our mayor gives in, we stop paying our property taxes and protest. Who do you think will win this?

July 06, 2009 at 11:35:17 PM
Gustavo
A couple of things to consider about this strike:

1. How much money is the city saving by not paying 24,000 workers? Are we going to see any of that money that we payed for the services we aren't getting back?

2. Why didn't the city try and negotiate better by saying that they would train replacement workers in advance of the strike date? This would have given them a better negotiating hand as the citizens would be getting their services and the union would be sitting on their hands. The city could then say to the unions "Go ahead and strike. We will be back to the negotiating table in 6 months."

July 06, 2009 at 11:35:50 PM
Peter
Orkin should come up with a spray that will get rid of David Miller and his Milleratti!

July 06, 2009 at 10:23:35 AM
dj
Here is where canadian education shows it's true results.Our biggest and richest city in Ontario is filled with idiots.How can you say that privatization wouldn't be better than the unions.If a private company handled the garbage pick-up,you would never see a strike because the private company would be sued by the city for breaking a contract.Thus if the workers did walk off the job,you would see the management personal out doing the job because they have no option.The same would be for other depatments.I agree that everything can not be privatized,but leaving everything to unions is like slicing your own throat.The people of Toronto need to look at other cities that have found alternate ways of dispencing with unions.

July 06, 2009 at 10:30:15 AM
david huang
Legislate members of CUPE Local 79 back to work

http://www.petitiononline.com/cupe79/petition.html

July 06, 2009 at 11:04:45 AM
Homer
I agree with Alex . All city employees should be paid the same as what a private sector employer would pay what they believe the employee deserves.

It's too bad they put the minimum wage up so high.

And yes... it is our money and we deserve lower taxes.

July 06, 2009 at 11:36:42 AM
John
What a joke! My son is out of work because of the city and him and some of his friends rented a big truck and collected garbage for a minimal fee. End result? TONS of happy residents!

Think again, City of Toronto, before you make really stupid statements.

July 06, 2009 at 12:40:57 PM
Emma
The tennis players may be none too happy to have to play with the smell of garbage, but what about the people (the majority of which are lifeguards and day camp workers who need their job to pay for school) who should be working AT Centennial Recreation Centre, who have to see the garbage piling up when they should be working.

July 06, 2009 at 12:44:39 PM
M. Bentley
Unbelievable!! People of the City of Toronto, surely you are more educated than what some of you are writing.

The City of Toronto has unionized employees to service YOU - the members of the public, and when I see things written to the effect of 'unions have outlived their usefulness' or 'unions are a waste of taxpayer money' should really do their homework.

Thanks to unions, there are established working conditions for ALL employees of any company.

July 06, 2009 at 1:15:55 PM
Lily
Good one Peter,Maybe Orkin can come up with a spray for McGinty as well.Think it's time for the residents to take back there city.A few hundred thousand at city hall with all there garbage,shut down some main streets downtown and maybe a highway or two should do the trick.

July 06, 2009 at 2:57:50 PM
arun-toronto
I think it is time to find a solution and get back to the normal life.
It is summer time and tourists do come to Toronto. It seems that Miller and the CUPE have something to show the tourists - Stinking Garbage Dumps in the city of Toronto. Why not run some special tourist buses to the sites.
Children are also getting affected with respect to their summer jobs, summer camps, etc.

July 06, 2009 at 3:18:51 PM
Janet
My husband has been a paramedic with Toronto EMS for over 25 years, the number of babies he's deliverd, lives he's saved, family members he's consoled is unmeasurable. He's received the Governor General Award for service. Yet today he's also received his second 'strike day' in 36 hours. Many of you simply don't have the information to make an informed comment. You are relying on the media and the two sides to give you their opinions and then you throw out your comments without really doing any research. The Paramedics were forced into an 'Essential Services Agreement' the city took a back door approach to avoid delcaring them an essential service. This agreement has allowed the City to have a 75% work force with regards to Paramedics.

July 06, 2009 at 4:06:59 PM
Lana
I wonder what would happen if citizens went on tax paying strike. Argument would be simple: no services = no tax payments.

While I am all in support of all working individuals and fair contracts, I find it increasingly difficult to remain sympathetic with organizations that insist on holding us, the citizens that pay their salaries, as hostages in their negotiations. First TTC, now city, who's next? And why is it that whenever there is a crisis, someone pulls a strike card? It's totally out of hand and the only people that suffer are those of us footing the bill for it all...including cost of the strike itself! Talk about adding insult to injury.

July 06, 2009 at 7:42:21 PM
Louise Chau
Louise Chau, Toronto
Inclusion Support Worker.

As we go into the third week of the strike. I can't help but think it is never going to end. As a university student waiting patiently to get back to work, i think this strike is absolutly ridiculous. I turned down great jobs to work with the City because i thought it would be a building block to my career. It is utterly impossible to find another job not only because of the recession, but who is going to hire someone who will leave when the strike is over.

I need money for school, i am financially responsible for my own education and without a job it is making it impossible for me to pay tuition this year.

July 07, 2009 at 9:39:23 AM
A
I am very upset with that situation: my kids were registered to summer camp since March. Now I have to pay three times of that price, for private camp. Who is getting hit by that are those pur families with Toronto fun registered kids - first you payed here, and now you pay additional -3 times of that, hopping to get account credit -not even a cash for your registration later on...
All those workers should be fired for letting our kids suffer

July 07, 2009 at 12:16:56 PM
Sandra Robledo
This stinks!! And I'm not even refering to the smell of garbage!! I am disappointed that once again the Torontonians are being held hostage to feed a greedy hand!! It's summer and our kids should be enjoying their break by swimming, playing in the parks, and going to camps. How can the union justify their actions and believe that they are in the right! Have you not seen our streets and our parks. Toronto is a beautiful city and once again our reputation is on the line! You should be ashamed! If you don't like your job then step aside, I am sure there are many who would love nothing more than to have a healthy steady income and how many sick days???? Unbelievable!!

July 07, 2009 at 1:28:35 PM
Kathy Perez
Honestly this is getting out of hand. I think Toronto has become a pig pen. Its disgusting everywhere you go you see garbage pilling up and rats and racoons in the garbage.Come on what going on. There is a solution for everything and I have notice Toronto is a big city but not prepared for situations like this.I think what we should all do is start pilling our garbages on the sidewalk and lets see how nasty Toronto gets.

July 07, 2009 at 1:50:00 PM
Amy W
I live in Toronto but not sure how much longer I will be. I moved here in 2003 and thought it was a great place to live, a little expensive but overall a great city. The strike has completely changed my opinions. I have an 8 year old who has to come with me to work everyday on his summer holidays, he cant use the community pool that he loves to swim in sooo much and he looks forward to every summer because it's closed, and we dont even know if he will have a pool in his school by next year either. The city smells, and in some areas are complete eye sores, seems like city official dont have the sligtest idea on what their doing, they take and take and take, they cant guarantee the TTC, our garbage pick up, our daycares but they can always guarantee a tax hike.

July 07, 2009 at 2:25:00 PM
Aa
Enough about only the garbage strike. The city smells either ways. Closing out pools and rec centers is what does damage to youth like me. Only keeps people on the street weith nothin to do -> criminal activities (loitering/tresspassing/damage property) .

July 07, 2009 at 3:02:28 PM
Nurse
I have been a Registered Nurse for almost 15 years. Eight of those years have been spent taking care of the the citizens of Toronto. I don't do it for the money or for the benefits because honestly speaking I would earn more working in the acute setting. I do it because I enjoy caring for the most needy, vulnerable and unfortunately the often forgotten members of our city. Until most recently I have held Torontonians in the most highest regards. However, over the last two weeks being on the picket line has shown me another side of Toronto. An ugly side. I've had pop cans along with insults hurled at me. I've watched angry Torontonians intentionally run over picketers, some of them students, with their cars. I'm not asking for more money. I know there is a recession. All I want is to keep the benefits I know I deserve.

July 07, 2009 at 4:19:02 PM
Disgruntled City Worker
I am a City of Toronto worker and I am appalled at the fact that we're striking. I have since crossed the picket line and am back to work, as we all should be. I kept telling my colleagues prior to the strike that I'm just happy that my alarm clock goes off every morning to indicate that it's time to go to work! We need to look around and be realistic. Bankable sick time?! That's one of the top priorities for the union? You gotta be kidding me. No wonder government workers are viewed in such a negative fashion, we're prima donna's.

I think that both sides need to bend a little, both are in the wrong in some aspects. There is a healthy balance that can be achieved, but I believe both sides need to think outside the box and get creative. Let's get this city back on track for crying out loud!

July 07, 2009 at 5:38:48 PM
Terrified of Backlash
I was seriously considering applying to go back to work with the City but was forewarned that CUPE 79 will make sure every member knows our names and faces and will make our life miserable until the end of time. Can anyone who has experienced the backlash comment on this? I don't want to be booted out of my place, have no food for the children and damage my credit rating for the next 7 years. I care about the people I serve and need to get back to them.

July 08, 2009 at 10:18:05 AM
Heather
Unions are nothing but trouble. Give the strikers 24 hours to get back to work, if they don't-then replace them with people who are unemployed-problem solved and while you are at it get rid of McGinty & that so called Mayor Miller-neither one has got a clue.

July 08, 2009 at 10:52:49 AM
Patricia from Toronto
This is so stupid, union, city workers,get your a.. back to work once and for all. Appreciate what you have, there are so many people out there that would love to have your job, be lucky. I work full time with no benefits, no sick days ect. I only get my check every two weeks do u see me complain and i am sure that there is alot of people out there like me. I am just lucky to have a job. With everything that is going on with the economy, this is so stupid. Because of this my daycare is close i am just lucky to have a wonderful family to watch my son everyday, i am sure that there is alot of people lost there job because of your stupidity. All of you should be fired, and hirer new people.
Get your a.. back to work, enough is enough. Just plain selfish, that is all.

July 08, 2009 at 12:06:13 PM
lisa
WHY IS THE MAYOR HAVING A SECRET MEETING????? Doesn't the public have the right to know???

July 08, 2009 at 3:40:05 PM
Marco Marchese
I am a York University student and an employee for the City of Toronto. Therefore, this is the second strike that I have to endure this year, both affecting my summer job plans. It’s ridiculous. Kids are roaming the streets everywhere, playing 'nicky nicky nine door' while I sit at home making no money. I have two jobs, but I took a leave of absence from my other one so that I could work for the city and now this has happened. Not only are employees losing money but so are places like the ROM and the Ontario Science Centre as well as School Bus companies, as there is no summer camp. Every tourist's pictures will have some sort of garbage/litter in their photos of Toronto, showcasing that this is what our city is made up of. It’s disgusting to have a strike this large that is affecting so many industries during a recession. I think it’s safe to say that both municipal and provincial leaders should start to get used to being out of the seats they are in right now. Voters will not be happy. Back to work legislation was used in 2002 because the Pope was coming. Does that mean that the people of Toronto are not as important? BACK TO WORK LEGISLATION FOR THE WIN!

July 08, 2009 at 3:53:42 PM
Sean
The government should not be in the business of employing citizens, it should focus on governing. All of these jobs that could be privatized should be.

the market will dictate the value of these jobs, not the people actually doing the jobs.

Workers shouldn't fear privatiztion unless they too, like myself, believe they are currently getting too much for what they actually do.

July 08, 2009 at 4:14:12 PM
Marc Charbonneau, Toronto
So this city's current discussion is confidential. The union has not spent any time explaining their position. All involved are paid from our taxes. They are our civil servants. If you can't explain your cases, I don't care, not for the city officials and not for the unions. The option will be that I will vote for a better city council that will reduce the unions benefits. WE PAY YOU, YOU DON'T TALK TO US. Shame

July 08, 2009 at 4:18:13 PM
Steph
Ok... these ppl have it made and still complain its not enough...lets just fire them all and hire the thousands of people out there who have lost their jobs due to the economy...I'm sure most would be content to work for generous salaries (which city workers get) and benefits... really though stop being so damn selfish and get back to work.

July 08, 2009 at 4:34:58 PM
Natasha
I am on strike and want to go back to work. 27,000 will not be paid this week. Contray to popular belief I am not rolling around in dough and there are many people who don't know how they will pay their bills this month and in upcoming weeks. There are also summer students who work for 4 months or so and really need their job to pay tuition. So the solution some of you have suggested is to fire us and hire replacements?- your solution is to have thousands stuggling to pay bills and some end up applying for welfare? I support my union completely and we are simply asking for a fair contract similar to TCHC, Hydro etc. I am not a lazy gov't employee. I applied for a job no on handed to me. I am part of a union and have made the personal choice not to cross the picket line.

July 08, 2009 at 4:42:24 PM
Tracey
Local 416 union’s position is that their justified in asking for continuation of benefits and wage increases because these items were awarded to fire and police.

It seems to me that recently some positions, such as garbage collectors, have actually been made easier. Up until a year ago the workers had to lift various styles of bins/bags to empty into the truck and also sorted the items in the blue box at the truck. The city through tax dollars have created bins that only need to be rolled to the truck, which them with a push of a button are lifted and emptied automatically. Which to me seems to eliminate a lot of physical labour (my 5 year old often helps wheel bins to the curb).

Prior to the new bins I on numerous occasions watch workers fling garbage lids wherever, dump trash and recycling and throw them back in the general direction of where they were taken completely disrespecting peoples items and property. I’m sure many people have come home to find their trash cans cracked, broken or lying in the street.

You’re requesting our support and patience? Lol. I don’t think so.

July 08, 2009 at 4:47:02 PM
Jc
Waste of time... Just get rid of the union and hire other people. Many people are looking for jobs in Toronto, so why waste our time with the union?

July 08, 2009 at 5:23:17 PM
Dorothy Betuker
The garbage pile ups are not healthy for anyone! This is so childish and sad that people are harming their children and the environment just for some extra money. It's sad how evil people really are. This needs to stop! Use your brains please! Stop hurting things that we cannot fix!

July 08, 2009 at 5:26:49 PM
Eric of Scarborough
I think most intelligent people know how hard outside workers (local 416) work. These people are maintaining and manicuring Toronto's parks, sports centers, disposing of disgusting smelly garbage etc...
For those people that believe this is an easy task working in extreme heat with the public’s safety in mind AND being able to do a fine job, I give kudos.
I have seen peoples’ garbage with maggots all over their bags and can only imagine the poor individuals in the transfer stations that have to work with that smelly, bacteria, maggot infested crap! In my opinion they need even more sick days.
In addition, I use the Cities Water Parks for my kids. I also use City Golf Courses, Arenas and Other Sports Centers. They are well run, clean and in good order. Staff do this in spite of the ignorant people that have no appreciation for what they do. People naturally like to complain to make conversation. When they see someone resting on their break they comment on this rather than looking to see what this person has just accomplished before his or her break. It's very sad. I wonder how these people relate to their friends or family at home.

I’ve heard people mention that we should privatize these services. I shake my head at these people because they have no idea. Some food for thought: We have a privately owned highway in which Tax Payers have no say and everyday, we pay more and more to use it.

I've heard people say, “with our economy it is crazy for people to strike”. I believe it is crazier for our LCBO stores to have empty shelves, at the hint of a strike. I saw people buying alcoholic beverages they don’t even like, because that was all that was left. Looks to me like people have way too much money. Again these people are breathing my air.

In my opinion, we need to clean house at the level of politicians or higher! (If there is such a level). These people run our country, provinces and cities with no or minimal repercussion. They all need to PAY a much higher price for their lack of capacity.

July 08, 2009 at 5:39:16 PM
David
Why are people who DO NOT want to work get paid $200/week (strike pay)?

It would be interesting to know how many sick days they wanted to add, cause currently, I hear they have 18 sick days per year in addition to the 3 weeks or so vacation time.

Is this true? My tax dollars are paying for people who do not want to work?

One more thing, what is with the thuggish behavior they are exhibiting? I think I just saw it on the news, a union worker, threatening several privatized trash picking companies that they need to "Watch out". Why does the city allow such bullies to strike like this? Fire them all and privatize the whole thing!

July 08, 2009 at 5:41:49 PM
Kevin Toronto
Funny how the union claims that there is an "impasse" resulting from the failure of the city to remove concessions from the bargaining table. Well, it's a two way street.... perhaps there is an impasse because the union will not accept concessions remaining. I'm sick and freakin' tired of watching my taxes go up and watching union workers' total compensation package increase, especially in tough times. - I see a correlation there. I feel sorry for the people on strike not getting paid, but the greedy union put you there, direct your anger at them, not people trying deposit garbage at transfer stations!

July 08, 2009 at 5:59:12 PM
Alfred
I agree with Mike -- people should take care of themselves. There are a few of us in each neighbourhood who own a pickup truck.

July 08, 2009 at 6:02:09 PM
c
This is CRAZY. People need to realize that others are being affected by the strike. If they want the support of the city then they shouldn't strike when people are going to get upset. Teachers strike in the Fall and City employees strike in the summer so that Children have no pools and the city gets dirty...Either that or they want a nice summer vacation.

July 08, 2009 at 7:23:17 PM
braindamage
i hope it lasts for another few months..let them strike till THEY decide to come back to work....i really hope EVERYONE thats comeing to the indy/Toronto never comes back and when they go home they tell everyone how dirty Toronto is. .since there useing parks as dumps now i say everyone should stop recycleing.as them spraying the garbage for peasts lets spray the back yard of the medical officer of health and see what they say...still see city vehicles driveing around the Bermondsey Transfer Station and along on eglinton..they have coverd up the logo on the door so you dont know its them but its not hard to tell..

July 08, 2009 at 7:26:24 PM
janice
i dont understand you people at all these people keep your streets clean take away all your crap work in the freezing cold when watermains break make sure you have running water and safe water these workers help make toronto what it is you have no idea what these workers do, why dont you try to do some of the jobs they do i have seen them work in weather you would never work in. but it is alright for all of these aldermen and councils to increase there salaries when the city of toronto is suppose to be struggling. I guess they have to pay for the street cars miller bought that we dont need

July 08, 2009 at 8:14:04 PM
David James
Seriously it is time that the goverment steps in and puts a stop to this. In this day in age garbage pick up should be considered essential.

Mayor Miller was quoted as saying that the people are behind him and are showing support for the CUPE members. We are not...Mayor Miller if there was an election right now...you would be out of office so fast.

There are so many people being negativly affected by this not just the residents that have to deal with the garbage. People have fail to neglect other workers, Does everyone know that center island has been forced to close their doors because there is no ferry service...this has caused 400 summer workers to be put out of a job.

This has gone on long enough...since they are at an 'impasse' it is time for someone to step in and end it this week.

July 08, 2009 at 8:56:29 PM
Nancy
I don't think these people should get anything they are asking for. The City of Toronto should not cave to these demands. What I think everybody that has lost childcare, living with garbage, bothered by the smell in the city should do, is go picket in front of Dalton Mcguinteys office and force hime to legislate these people back to work. That way, the innocent people will get what they want and the unions lose. I'm sick and tired of this. I have no childcare for my 2 children. It's not just about the garbage. Let the garbage pile up. The strikers are going to have to clean it anyway. Cjildcare is of utmost importance. Some of us have jobs that we need to go to.

July 08, 2009 at 9:47:44 PM
Nelson. A
I thank my good judgement for not living in Toronto. I got to tell you what that city needs is a Mayor with some "balls" and run thing the way they are suppose to. Then again this is the system we live in. I bet you torontonians wished you were somewhere else . Enjoy the smell It'll be there for a while and when all is said and done and they go back to work (because 200 bucks a week is not enough) Toronto will be left with a sour taste of this strike for years to come ., or at least until the contract expires . SHAME SHAME

July 08, 2009 at 9:57:46 PM
Kim
This strike is rediculous!!!! A good friend of mine is on assistance and needs the "start up" fund to move and they don't consider this an emergency! They say she has to be in a shelter, living on the streets or evicted before they will consider it an emergancy. Her worker has already approved it and it is in the system but the emergancy workers say too bad it's not our fault it's David Millers fault. They have also not paid for her special diets or her daughters. Her daughter has 2 special diets and she has 3 including a heart condition. They are willing to see her and her daughter not eat, and live in a shelter before doing thier jobs!! This is not David Millers fault. This strike is stupid. It has affected so many people in so many different ways and all we keep hearing about on the news in the garbage. What about the people that have no day care, what about the kids that can't go to camp, what about the people who need to move and eat and that doesn't even get spoken about. I am sure if we called David Miller he would find a way to ensure that a mother and her 6 yr old didn't end up in a shelter!!!!! Stop whining about sick days and go back to work!!

July 09, 2009 at 3:17:01 AM
Insider
Why is it that we heard that the progress was being made by the City and then the Mayor admited yesterday, no progress has been made?? The truth is, there never was any progress at all! I predict a long strike, and nothing will be resolved until August or September.

July 09, 2009 at 6:07:13 AM
colleen
I think the union is being greedy. In the long run the taxpayers will have their taxes raised. In my workplace and my husband and other people I know we are required to take our holidays and sick days within the year or lose them. We are not allowed to bank them until we retire.

July 09, 2009 at 8:40:39 AM
J D E York
The people at the dumps - striking workers - are extremely antagonistic and belligerent. I hope they start to cave in with a lack of $ and realize they should have accepting what they were offered in the first place and be thankful. It is a privelage to have a job, not a right.

July 09, 2009 at 9:10:44 AM
mine
They're holding the city in hostage in this time of crisis! Fire them all!

Greedy!

July 09, 2009 at 9:49:57 AM
Dianne
I don't understand why they can't be legislated back to work. This is getting to be unsafe in areas to live. We might even see more then just rats invading the city. I wonder where the strikers are putting their garbage. This city used to be a nice place to visit.

July 09, 2009 at 10:53:46 AM
vincent
David Miller and The Premier of Ontario have lost my vote. I can not wait for the net election.
These two leaders just do not care.

July 09, 2009 at 10:54:16 AM
Mary and Ray Grant, Wakefield, UK
As visitors to your city we are appalled to find that we have spent a lot of money and travelled a long way from the UK to encounter mounds of stinking garbage and a city that has closed many of its attractions, amenities and facilities. There appears to be little chance of strikers returning to work before we leave. How has the city allowed this ridiculous and unnecesary situation to happen during the main tourist season? We are very disappointed and doubt that we will return to Toronto in the future.

July 09, 2009 at 11:34:31 AM
Maria
Our children are suffering here but do they care? If they want their sick days then by all means take them while you are working like everyone else does, if you don't use them, then you lose them, simple as that!!!!

July 09, 2009 at 2:04:04 PM
mandy
A message to Miller: Legislate the City workers back to work immediately!!
Miller you should be thrown out with the waste as well, shame on you!
They are holding the entire city hostage.
The kids need their summer, they need their swimming pools and camps!
My son is climbing the walls from being extremely bored, as other kids.
City hall is a JOKE!

July 09, 2009 at 11:15:43 AM
Howie
this strike is a slap in the face to people who work in the private sector that are either unemployed or have had their hours reduces due to cut backs. let these city workers work in the private sector for a week and they will see how good they really have it!

July 09, 2009 at 10:58:55 AM
CC
I agree Mayor Miller is the most useless Mayor that this city has ever had, but then again we can only blame ourselves!!!! The union has shown its true colours with their behaviour of intimidating private contractors who want to work!!!! Don't blame them for wanting to work!!! If you choose not to work that is your choice!!!!!!!GO back to work or get Legislated back either way you will lose!!!!

July 09, 2009 at 2:14:48 PM
Marilyn Jones
I agree to get rid off the unions, once all the politians stop giving themselves ridiculous raises.
Politians should live like most of us do, just the basics of life. Is not a 100 thousand a year enough? Stop having your extravangant life style, for thousands of years this has been happening and it will never stop, humans are a selfish race, humans self destructing, don't need a war or a disease.
Is like people, won't buy a lottery ticket for 1 mil, but they run on a frenzy when the jackpot is 20 mil, is not 1 mil enough? There are a lot of hypocrates running this country.