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December 07, 2011 at 7:10:43 AM
Michelle
This is getting to be absolutely ridiculous. I am so glad my semester at York University is over now because if I had to take the bus and was not able to get on due to striking workers, I would be extremely upset. Why are these striking workers now in a sense punishing riders who depend on the system? It is not their fault and many already have difficulties getting around due to the strike, these workers have no right to make it worse. In the end they will just piss off more riders and no one will have sympathy for them.

December 07, 2011 at 7:26:17 AM
Kris
Reminds me of the 2009 Garbage Strike. They don't realize that this is turning people against unions, until it's too late. Now 2 years later, they said they dont have the public support, nor management support so they are in a tough position. Keep this up bus drivers, and see whether the public will support you moving forward. Bad move in my opinion on the part of the Union.

December 07, 2011 at 7:36:28 AM
YRT Driver
Were not looking for your sympathy were looking for results, if you want to complain then call your councillors .

December 07, 2011 at 7:51:54 AM
Dave
This is just another example of how unions think they can bully people into doing something. They are trying to get angry riders to call their politicians to get a deal done. If you were not disrupting me as a rider I would have more sympathy for you especially given the holiday season is upon us. This latest stunt makes me want to see you all lose your jobs so YRT can hire people who repect their customers and want to work for a decent wage. Shame on you all.

December 07, 2011 at 7:53:39 AM
vetl
This is too funny, because its waaay beyond ridiculous point. First of all just fire them second of all to make everyone happy just cut the salaries of those in GTA to even up with YRT with explanation that YRT demanded it :) its a win win situation especially for TTC who struggle for budged.

December 07, 2011 at 7:59:19 AM
Vicki
That is no way to protest, those poor passengers trying to get to work and school. Shame on the striking drivers doing that. They should be ashamed of themselves.

December 07, 2011 at 8:17:52 AM
Mark
The idea is to upset the passengers and cause enough of an uproar that the region is forced to ask for binding arbitration, a process which often favours the union. My guess is that as the strike continues, more people will find alternatives and it will take a year or more before YRT reaches its pre-strike passenger level. If you are unhappy, contact your Mayor and Regional Councillors.

My question is, why would the Region contract with a company to run the transit if the company did not have a "no strike" agreement with their union for the length of the contract?

December 07, 2011 at 8:26:04 AM
Sean
Clearly some sort of violence is going to arise from this.

December 07, 2011 at 8:37:04 AM
Fire them all
The cops shall get involved. These "strikers" can't do whatever they wont !!!!!

December 07, 2011 at 8:40:26 AM
Anne
There is no excuse for this kind of behaviour. The Union will come to bitterly regret what they are doing. This is picking a fight with the general public and that is not a good thing. What will happen if the public got together to 'evict' these occupiers? It may generate a lot of publicity for the Union but it will also result in possible injury. The average Joe is not as stupid as the Union imagines so the blame will be laid at the door of the Union. No one wants an avoidable tragedy. Stand firm YRT and do not give in to these Union bullies. For those members of the public who are being inconvenienced - stand firm - do not allow the Union to use you as a pawn.

December 07, 2011 at 8:45:56 AM
Balli
I don't think strike workers are doing anything wrong by disrupting the bus service, they are trying to get their message across to the contractors who are not even blinking. I think we should support the union they are fighting for all the workers who deserve same pay as some of the other drivers in GTA. I work in a unionized company and I'm glad the workers before me put up a fight for better wages which is why I'm able to support my life style. So I hope in the end it all works out and workers get what they want and everyone be happy!!!!

December 07, 2011 at 8:53:26 AM
Naughtius Maximus
I will never understand why labour unions seem to believe that inconveniencing members of the public will help their cause.

Anyone who hears about or is affected by this story is not going to put pressure on the employer because the employer isn't the one filling up the buses - the union members are, and it's the union members that are undercutting their own cause by doing so.

The unions lost a similar public relations battle when they inconvenienced the public during the latest Toronto garbage strike. You would think they would have learned from that.

December 07, 2011 at 9:12:17 AM
Tiago
I hope they are aware of the retaliation they will face as I'm sure most are going to be pissed off by this stupid immature move on their part. And you wonder why bus drivers get attacked often, LOL.

If someone has a problem making the money they are doing the work they are both of which is something you are aware of when originally applying for a job, then quit. I hear of many people looking for a job who would do much better than the ones presently hired.

Unhappy? Quit. You're already overpaid as it is for taking a bus from point A to point B lol.

December 07, 2011 at 9:17:45 AM
yrt rider
yeah call the councillor..thats exactly what you want

December 07, 2011 at 9:18:20 AM
Stanley
I have been a regular commuter on the YRT for the past 6 years. The buses were clean and most passengers were courteous to the bus drivers. Many times the buses (even the major routes) are only half full with light traffic on the road. You simply cannot compare to operating a bus on Eglinton or Finch. I was supportive of your ideology but by taking the commuters hostage, you simply alienating all the commuters including your former supporters. If a higher wage is preferred, please apply to other municipal transit services. Rest assure that any incident (taking a coffee break in the middle of a route or taking on the cell phone) will be reported in the near future and expect more confrontation.

December 07, 2011 at 9:21:41 AM
Breanna
Its bad enough that they are causing our buses to be an hour sometimes an hour and a half late. Now picketers want to put innocent riders, trying to get to work to put food on the table for themselves and their family at even more of an inconvience. Picketing is one thing, but having to wait in the cold and rain/snow for the bus to come an hour late, and then being told that there is no room on the bus because picketers are taking up the room is unacceptable. Why should those trying to get to work and school have to suffer....its just not right. Hopefully some sort of agreement will arise, and the YRT strike will end.

December 07, 2011 at 9:25:48 AM
Dave
The councilors are not doing anything to complain about. They have made you a reasonable offer which most unemployed people in this day and age would more than happily take. You drive a bus and you are lucky to make much more than minimum wage as it is. Getting results will not include making riders angry. This latest stunt more than solidifies my position to have the govt. keep you locked out for a long time. The riders do not need to do your dirty work so if you have a problem with the councilors, confront them yourselves.

December 07, 2011 at 9:53:40 AM
Kris
If YRT wins this battle, it will be a huge win for Toronto and other regions. Then TTC, and other public transit systems upon contract negotiations will have to face potential salary/benefit cuts, to put their salary on par with regions like York. I followed the YRT drivers recommendation and called my councillor. But instead of complaining, I complimented them and showed my support for YRT's position, and for the councillors not forcing arbitration. Let them continue to strike with no pay.

December 07, 2011 at 10:14:35 AM
sadaf
I hate this YRT strike which is effecting our jobs and kids schools,in this weather condition.They gave hard time to the riders i wish they dont get their salary raised.Instead they should fire them and hire new people.

December 07, 2011 at 10:18:58 AM
David
If you want to be paid as much as a ttc driver, then go work for the ttc, no one is holding you hostage... You have no qualms holding us hostage while we lose our jobs and have to walk for 2 hours to get to work in the cold and rain. You should be ashamed of yourselves. What goes around comes around... keep that in mind.

December 07, 2011 at 10:27:10 AM
Sean
When will these "workers" be forced back to work? This action they've taken is ridiculous!!

Hello York Region: have some fortitude and lay down the law!!!

December 07, 2011 at 10:39:45 AM
Mike
I laugh at all the comments saying to "arrest them" or "fire them all". Arrest them for what??? Everything the drivers are doing is perfectly legal! And if you fire legally striking drivers, it's going to be the company/person that fired them that's going to be in big trouble.. because firing legally striking workers is against the law!!

December 07, 2011 at 10:49:19 AM
beth
Okay, so go and TRY and get a job in Toronto...oh wait you can't get there! the YRT are on strike!~!!! And you don't want to drive to the City like the rest of us have to! For shame!

December 07, 2011 at 10:51:09 AM
HHBBQ
And you wonder why most people are strongly anti-union.

This type of behaviour should be illegal - it does nothing but impact the uninvolved.

Ridiculous

December 07, 2011 at 10:53:16 AM
Debbie
Hey striking drivers I hope you enjoy your Christmas with no money. You will never make up what you've lost now no matter how big of a raise you get. Smart plan....NOT!!! Oh and by the way, when the bus contract comes up for bid you will be out of work. Ha ha I guess the last laugh will be on the passengers you've messed with.

December 07, 2011 at 11:00:33 AM
Diran
Most people dont even have jobs that pay them above minimum wage and these guys are complaining that they make to little. The lowest payed driver make 23 dollars an hour. THey have zero education and thats how much they make. ZERO EDUCATION and they make more then a university graduate with an entry level position. Theyre greedy and they have too go. Enough is enough.

December 07, 2011 at 11:09:07 AM
Neg
To the strikers, if you do the math, once you have been on strike for more than 3 days,you have lost. Your union leaders job to make sure it's members have work. It is clear that the union leaders have failed here. These strikers should be going after their union leaders,not the people who use public transit.

December 07, 2011 at 11:17:04 AM
Greg
Do these drivers really think they are going to get support from the public? What a joke. I think less and less of them every day the strike continues. Get back to work. Unions don't have a place any more.

December 07, 2011 at 11:41:11 AM
Adam
I would just like to state that the drivers that are doing the "riding strike" and picketing at night even though their was already a picket during the day is the Local 113/Viva.

The YRT Drivers (Local 1587) Is not doing this. They are only picketing during the days. They did monday and Tuesday at Hill Center - though buses are detoured around there. - and they are not picketing today!

I'd also like to go on to state that Bill Fisch was completely wrong about the drivers being offered a fair contract. The Local 1587 was not offered a fair contract. To start they were not offered retro. Now, every organization is given retro. If they 1587 accepted that they would have every union in Ontario, possibly Canada, wanting their heads.

The drivers for the Local 1587 also have no clue where these people are getting the fact they want $30 an hour. they don't. Bill Fisch said for some reason - must have been full of hot air - said they wanted "parity with TTC" they are not. They are asking for parity around York Region.

Add in the fact that the only reason Local 1587 is not talking is because of their boss/contractor is refusing to talk. How can they talk or even try to when the man that holds their contract is refusing to talk? It's like talking to a brick wall... You don't get much results do you?

December 07, 2011 at 12:12:06 PM
driver000
Once again reading a bunch of rubbish , " fire them , "fire them " overpaid uneducated " so not true thats whats ridiculous , I have colleagues that are by trade, teachers, firemen,nurses etc etc, who choose to supplement or have lost there other jobs due to cutbacks. As for the comment "enjoy your Christmas ..with no money? what makes people presume we have no money, we knew this was coming ! and most have been preparing much like myself for the last 3 years when the last terrible contract was put in place , so all the wishings of doom and gloom that suggest we are heading to bankruptcy and food banks is just nonsence , we have families too remember, husbands , wives who also work and not one single driver / picketer NOT one ..has done anything to break the law. And one final note , I do receive a strike pay chq from my union every week , and because I personally don't need it , I am donating every penny to various charities throughout York Region. And yes I will return to work when the time comes and I feel NO SHAME whatsoever for what we are doing , it is my right to fight for change !! as IS YOURS . Thats the glory of where we live ! God bless all of you throughout this holiday season and beyond.

December 07, 2011 at 12:15:15 PM
Pierre
Seriously? Their beef is with the YRT/unions, NOT with the commuters. They're going to make the wrong person late for work and get assaulted. Further proof that unions will bankrupt North America in the next 10-15 years.

December 07, 2011 at 12:26:43 PM
mike
I agree with most of the comments on the sight with a very negative tone towards the union. I am surprised that there is practically no reporting on the fact that the union is demanding 20% over three years and 16% in the first year. These demands are so unrealistic that I do not see how anyone can even side with the union.

December 07, 2011 at 12:28:17 PM
LINDSAY GIRARD
the reason for the strike is mainly about benefits not wages. Sure $24 or $25 per hour sounds good but the benefits suck...all we are looking for is 75% or 100% paid benefits...so wake up people we love our jobs and we want to get back to work asap..we are waiting for negotiations to resume and we as transit operators are looking forward to serving the public asap and to get everything back in motion...MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

December 07, 2011 at 12:34:08 PM
Anne
The general public don't care which Union is picketing and which Union is occupying...the Union or Unions are punishing the average rider. That is not smart. I don't care whether the others Unions will go after your Union if you settle and go back to work. This just proves that Unions are legalized thugs and want what they want no matter the cost to anyone else. Greed and selfishness - reminds of the what the Unions have accused the 1% of when they supported the Occupiers. Hypocrites!

December 07, 2011 at 12:37:56 PM
david
Note to striking yrt employees and other unions alike... Have you ever considered that if your cause was a worthwhile one you will automatically have public backing without question. In most cases and including this one your cause is so unreasonable that you have no public sympathy/support at all and are now having to resort to
muscling and inconveniencing(understatement) the innocent to get you point across. Shameful!!!

December 07, 2011 at 12:40:57 PM
Joey
Unions were worse than this in developing countries in the '80s...only when the Govts realised the backward direction this was getting them into that they cared a shit for the unions and their leaders and gave Management total independence which brought about a x2 fold improvement in productivity and customer service levels at unimaginable numbers.....go Canada go.....the time is right...

December 07, 2011 at 12:46:13 PM
gillete
fire all the union guys who making trouble. country have no more money to give them. most workers are lazy which company is unionized.

December 07, 2011 at 12:51:27 PM
J.Leung
Maybe it's time fo the passengers/riders of YRT to revolt. Let's do a "No Fare" day and impact on YRT's bottomline - See how they like facing financial loss.
How many inspectors do you have? Not as many that will be using "Freeva" when the time comes!

December 07, 2011 at 1:02:22 PM
dave
this is throughly disappointing. Then YRT will complain when the public is going to be hostile saying they do not know why the public gives them a hard time.
Smarten up, you need the public support. You are such selfish ppl, to get the point of a few hundred you disrupt a few thousand lives. I hope the public gives you a hard time

December 07, 2011 at 1:10:22 PM
TTC Rider
I hope the yrt strike ends soon. they might be giving the ttc drivers ideas of going on strike.

December 07, 2011 at 1:16:46 PM
Chris
YRT Driver said, "Were (sic) not looking for your sympathy were (sic)looking for results, if you want to complain then call your councillors."

Well guess what ?? You have a job in the middle of the biggest recession since THE Great Depression. Be happy with what you have and GET BACK TO WORK. Stop bothering people who are just trying to get to work and/or school. Lose your bad attitude and your sense of entitlement - nobody owes you anything - and gain a better work ethic like the rest of us !!!

December 07, 2011 at 1:21:01 PM
Leesa
First I'd like to thank Adam for some intelligent comments for a change. Educated, decent people may be more likely to understand what the drivers are trying to achieve, get the facts first and make knowledgeable classy comments instead of just shooting off lewd underhanded insults. If anyone could better their position even if the job is ok, I'm sure would do so. Most especially those with all their snide remarks. They'd be the first in line. What the drivers are doing is unfortunate for everyone affected, the drivers included, but necessary. The drivers are fighting for fair treatment from their employer for more than just wages. So many people think they are the experts on a matter they obviously know little about. Sure let someone else step up and drive a bus if they think they have what it takes, but rest assure within time you'd see what it is the drivers are getting at. As for applying elsewhere or for other bus companies, if they were hiring I'm sure some drivers would have considered that an option by now. Other transit companies aren't always hiring and on the other hand, why should the drivers see that as the only viable option anyway! What the drivers are asking for from the companies involved are viewed as standard by other transit companies. Those transit companies ARE comparable to what the drivers here do...not talking about TTC or GO. Most drivers want this to end as badly as everyone else..The contractors and MP's that make their millions need
to step up to the plate but won't. Arbitration would have ended this a long time ago and would have brought about a fair settlement but it was voted down by the region.

December 07, 2011 at 1:26:23 PM
jojo
So now they're "occupying" buses ? Gimme gimme never gets. Especially for these Glorified Truck Drivers. Greed is a sin !

December 07, 2011 at 1:46:32 PM
Davis
They should be fired for pulling that stunt...

December 07, 2011 at 1:47:13 PM
kevin
I'm all for a fair wage and benefits, but certain services should not be allowed to go on strike. Job action, slower service are tolerable actions. This has gone on for 7 weeks, the income lost by the workers is going to take years to recoup.
In the early 80's Ronald Regan dealt with the air traffic controllers, gave them an ultimatum....back to work or you are fired. He fired them all...period. Then re hired them back at a reduced wage....People would be lining up to get a good job like working for the YRT.
Solve it, end it and lets get everybody back to work..

December 07, 2011 at 2:17:29 PM
MIKEJ
HEY YRT DRIVER.. If we want to complain we will. I don,t ride transit thank god & you will never get our sympathy acting the way your unions are having you act. Its one thing to pickit its another to totally disrupt the day to day lives of Joe public who are actually paying your way. What destroys most good organiztions?? greedy unions