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Toronto transit back in service

JEFF GRAY AND KAREN HOWLETT AND JENNIFER LEWINGTON

Globe and Mail Update and Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 2:20 PM EDT 27/04/08

Ontario government, opposition unite to pass back-to-work legislation, TTC gears up Sunday service ...Read the full article

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  1. Control_Alt Delete from Toronto, Canada writes: >> “The TTC is a big family,” Mr. Webster said. “Sometimes families have issues.” <<

    uh-huh. And, what transpired on Friday night? Tough love? lol
  2. H F from Canada writes: Great way to stand up to the working man NDP, just further evidence that the NDP is no longer standing among there old values. Now its all extreme left wing thinking.... I am very disappointed that the TTC employees have been ordered back to work. Public transit is not an essential service, people can use their legs, bikes, cars, taxi's. The TTC is not the only option - I would like to see the Transit Union challenge this ruling in court.
  3. Cameron Reid from Canada writes: now its time to take the next logical step and disband the ttc union. Get rid of these parasites and we'll be able to run a transit system on budget and on time.

    This strike has clearly shown that they're greedy, opportunistic slackers who don't give a damn about the people they 'serve'.
  4. brokeback mountain from Canada writes: H F from Canada, why don't you walk from richmond hill to downtown!
  5. JD Wood from Toronto, Canada writes: It is unfortunate how the government thinks that it can just suddenly decide to order legitimate protest action back to work. I support the strikers and their ability to bring attention to the fact that Stephen Harper has allowed cities to be neglected and underfunded, leading to the end of many city services.
  6. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: let me perfectly clear ...

    can'teeeer the raaat ,,,,,,,,

    this is part of his bag of dirty little tricks ...

    strike, force legislation,,,,,,,

    GET MORE $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

    absolutely UNACCEPTABLE....

    can'teeeer the raaat ....

    FIRED NOW, FORTHWITH .......
  7. Randal Oulton from Canada writes: >> JD Wood from Toronto, Canada writes: It is unfortunate how the government thinks that it can just suddenly decide to order legitimate protest action back to work.

    Followed up by this divisive, confrontational back to work legislation brought in by the Liberals back by the NDP.

    >> I support the strikers and their ability to bring attention to the fact that Stephen Harper has allowed cities to be neglected and underfunded, leading to the end of many city services.

    Agreed, there needs to be greater taxpayer investment in higher pay packets.
  8. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: ndp howie ham and ilk ....

    whom are you kidding ?????????????????

    ttc has zero good will ...
  9. Opinion in Toronto from Toronto, Canada writes: We the patrons of the TTC have power and no longer have to be victims of this unreliable 'service.'
    We can choose to abandon this self-serving monopoly in favour of other ways of commuting -- cycling, walking, car-pooling, living closer to work, etc.
    In the long run, that will be much more energy-efficient than subways, buses and streetcars.
  10. brokeback mountain from Canada writes: ttc workers and union are all drama queens... a total embarrassment of this country... have some dignity, no job security? go back to school and get an education or start looking for another job.. if you guys think the missasagua is offering higher pay, move there... just like the rest of the private sectors..
  11. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: void agreement of ..............

    9 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

    ttc union gets .....

    ZERO
  12. brokeback mountain from Canada writes: we should all pay our ttc fare in pennies
  13. JN Smith from Canada writes: H F - If public transit is not an essential service, then why are the workers' wages so high? You can't have it both ways. If the TTC is an essential service, then I agree the workers should receive good wages and job security. If the TTC is not an essential service, then go ahead and strike, but don't be looking for the big bucks for unskilled labour. That's what needs to be determined by all parties involved.
  14. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: can'teeer the raaat ...

    put ttc riders in physical danger ............

    by striking ..........

    i have instructed my lawyers ...........

    to prepare .........

    CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ....

    can'teeeer the raaat ........

    hear that ........

    it's COMING ...

    it's COMING for Y O U ---------------->>>
  15. Old blue from Canada writes: JD Wood from Toronto, Canada writes: It is unfortunate how the government thinks that it can just suddenly decide to order legitimate protest action back to work. I support the strikers and their ability to bring attention to the fact that Stephen Harper has allowed cities to be neglected and underfunded, leading to the end of many city services.

    ---------------

    Hardly.
    Mr. Miller and his cheery crew of leftists are renowned for frittering away every cent that comes their way and then go back to the residents and demand even more. Where else in Canada can a grasscutter make $25/hour cutting boulevards.

    Blame McGuinity who all of a sudden discovered that the TTC is an essential service that shgouldn't go on strike.

    Mr. Wood, did your mother drop you on your head when you were a baby??
  16. A T from victoria, Canada writes: get back to work, those Toronto workaholic crackberry addicts will drop dead if they can't to work on time!
  17. Old blue from Canada writes: Randal Oulton from Canada writes: >> JD Wood from Toronto, Canada writes: It is unfortunate how the government thinks that it can just suddenly decide to order legitimate protest action back to work.

    Followed up by this divisive, confrontational back to work legislation brought in by the Liberals back by the NDP.

    >> I support the strikers and their ability to bring attention to the fact that Stephen Harper has allowed cities to be neglected and underfunded, leading to the end of many city services.

    Agreed, there needs to be greater taxpayer investment in higher pay packets

    -----------------

    Really? You must be part of the NDP party who have publicly said that anyone making over $30K are 'fat cats'.
    You mean that the top 10% earners should shoulder more than 40% of the total income tax load.
    Get a life!!
  18. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: toronto is ........

    BROKE BROKE BROKE .......

    miller you have ...........

    BANKRUPTED TORONTO ......

    offensive ...

    abusive ....

    reprehensible .....

    contemptible .........

    CUT THE FAT FAT FAT .........

    CUT THE ROT ROT ROT .............
  19. Martha K from Canada writes: JD Wood from Toronto, Canada writes: ' I support the strikers and their ability to bring attention to the fact that Stephen Harper has allowed cities to be neglected and underfunded, leading to the end of many city services. '

    This has nothing to do with Mr. Harper. You do this all the time JD Wood - always trying to bring the CPC into this. Transportation is a provincial jursidiction. This is a McGuinty/Miller issue, not a federal one.

    And as to funding cities in general - again, the taxpayers of Ontario are responsible for that - not the federal gov't. The Liberals before this govt didn't give a dime to cities either so why are you holding the CPC to an impossible ground-breaking standard?
  20. Kevin Zhang from Waterloo, Canada writes: H F from Canada writes: Public transit is not an essential service, people can use their legs, bikes, cars, taxi's. The TTC is not the only option

    I have an exam tomorrow at Wilfrid Laurier University, both my parents are out of town, and I live on Don Mills and Steeles. Do you wanna walk from where I live to Union Station? If you don't, then shut the hell up. It's a 50 dollar cab ride from where I live to Union, do you have that kind of money to spare as a student? Think before you talk.

    There's a big difference between supporting the working men and supporting a bunch of greedy pigs, which is what the TTC union is. NDP did nothing wrong by backing the riders, especially when the union broke their promise of a 48 hour warning notice before going on strike. These people have ridiculous benefits, earning 27-35 dollars an hour, and all they have to do is drive a bus or sit behind a ticket booth. My parents have Ph.Ds from the top Universities in China and they earn 15 bucks an hour working in general labor. Where did the support for those people go? Where are the outcries for discriminating against well educated immigrants?

    If Wal-Mart employees go on strike tomorrow, I'll back them all the way. The fact is that TTC unions have been striking on an almost annual basis for stupid reasons is absolutely unacceptable. In the end, they just want more money, even though they are already severely overpaid. Get your facts straight before you accuse the NDP for straying from their values and principles.
  21. Mark Orr from Toronto, Canada writes: Why not allow transit competition. Allow private operators to carry TTC passangers on a fixed rate per passanger basis...
  22. JN Smith from Canada writes: It's not Harper's fault for the TTC mess. It's G Bush. And Ed Stelmach. Ya, it's their fault. They can't be trusted. Sorry, I wanted to be the first to post that. ;)
  23. kettle toronto from toronto, Canada writes: this is an absolute shambles seriously ... why is TTC here having so many problems .. an absolute joke and those fat cats provide such a bad service with unskilled labour and they are paid $30/hour

    WHERE ELSE CAN THIS POSSIBLY HAPPEN? Frankly I came from Hong Kong and this type of strikes have never ever ever happened .. not in a million years. If you don't like the wages, many people will be willing to accept it and you can quit or get fired! End of discussion!
  24. kettle toronto from toronto, Canada writes: Mark Orr from Toronto, Canada writes: Why not allow transit competition. Allow private operators to carry TTC passangers on a fixed rate per passanger basis...

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I agree with your point but I guess privatization of transit is not viable in Toronto as I believe no firm can make a profit...
  25. R E from Scarborough, Canada writes: Kevin Zhang from Waterloo, Canada writes: 'It's a 50 dollar cab ride from where I live to Union, do you have that kind of money to spare as a student?'

    I believe there's a GO bus that goes to Union all the way down Yonge, or at least there used to be. Worth checking out.
  26. Old blue from Canada writes: Mark Orr from Toronto, Canada writes: Why not allow transit competition. Allow private operators to carry TTC passangers on a fixed rate per passanger basis...

    ------------------

    Crap easy question Mark.
    'Cause the lefty city 'fathers' would never permit anyone to compete with the official Peoples Transport System. It's for the better good of comrade Torontonians not to allow free competition i.e. Canada Post.
  27. dick brown from missy, Canada writes: I'll still take the car tomorrow...the bus sucks large! Have fun with someone's armpit in your face!
  28. Rangzen Bhu from Toronto, Canada writes: In private sector people get fired and paid very less for the same kind of job they do at TTC. But guys at TTC thinks they are indispensable. They are thousands of people ready to work each vacancy TTC.

    The union should be disbanded. Ticketing should be automated.
  29. Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes: Rangzen Bhu from Toronto, Canada writes:

    In private sector people get fired and paid very less for the same kind of job they do at TTC. But guys at TTC thinks they are indispensable. They are thousands of people ready to work each vacancy TTC.

    The union should be disbanded. Ticketing should be automated.

    WORTH REPEATING!!

    There are tens of thousands who are glad to earn a fraction of what these workers feel they are entitled.

    Is the union becoming irrelevant by the day?
  30. J K GALBRAITH from Canada writes: Old Blue: The top 10% of income earners make between $60-70,000 a year not $30,000. Check your numbers again, please.
  31. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: It would seem to me this would be a great opportinity to de-certify the union, on the gounds they have lost complete control of their memebership. Some members may even support the move.

    If successful the next step would to be start all over again with management having the mandate manage without interference from a bunch that could care less about inconvenience to tax payers and high costs arising from interruprion in production. Workers that don't like the new system could always quit. I have no doubt they are readily replaceable.

    Automotive industry take note. Perhaps you can pick up a similar opportunity and bail yourselves out instead of seeking help from the public purse.
  32. J Law from Canada writes: Contrary to what one poster has said, the NDP (oh, how I dislike that bunch of communists) are standing up for the working man and woman. They are stopping those who would misuse their responsibilities to try to hold the working man and woman hostage for their selfish demands.
  33. Canadian born Muslim Right Winger from Ottawa, Canada writes: Scrap the TTC union and cut their income by half. These bus operators and TTC workers don't deserve anything higher than $30,000 a year considering they have no post secondary education. There are a handful of bus operators in Ottawa who made $100,000 last year. That is insane and asinine. The TTC are greedy and like to overvalue themselves. You have no education and only require a G license. Who do you people think you are essentially bringing the largest city in Canada in chaos because you think your high salaries should be higher?
  34. Toca on from Canada writes: I think Toronto should have another bus system to compete with ttc, so TTC would have to lower their price and improve their services, especially delay time...
  35. J Knight from Canada writes: Blue collar workers are not the employers in this and similar situations. These groups of individuals are over-compensated concerning wages etc and quite frankly have not been doing a days work for the pay received. These people need more than a wake up call as their greed has created a lot of hardship particularly for the lower income people. The mentality of simply increasing fares/taxes/etc is not an option.
  36. C J from Canada writes: brokeback mountain from Canada writes: H F from Canada, why don't you walk from richmond hill to downtown!

    HF, just give us your credit card details or a blank cheque so we can happily use the alternative transport :)
  37. C J from Canada writes: Canadian born Muslim Right Winger: ... There are a handful of bus operators in Ottawa who made $100,000 last year

    You kidding right?! That's the pay of my company VP!!!
  38. Old blue from Canada writes: J K GALBRAITH from Canada writes: Old Blue: The top 10% of income earners make between $60-70,000 a year not $30,000. Check your numbers again, please.

    ------------------

    You misunderstood.

    The poster said that the high earners should pay more. The top 10% of earners (which fyi is well beyond 70K) ALREADY pay their fair share assuming 40% of the tax load.

    The NDP on the other hand have stated that anyone paid more than $15/hr are fat cats.
  39. brokeback mountain from Canada writes: 'kettle toronto from toronto, Canada writes: Mark Orr from Toronto, Canada writes: Why not allow transit competition. Allow private operators to carry TTC passangers on a fixed rate per passanger basis...

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I agree with your point but I guess privatization of transit is not viable in Toronto as I believe no firm can make a profit... '

    of course not, when you pay ticket booth monkeys 100k a year.. it's like paying a secretary 100k a year, you think you can run a business like that??? cab drivers don't make that kind of money, why do ttc drivers get paid so much, it's ridiculous..Family doctors don't even make that kind of money..
  40. Peter Bojkov from Vaughan ON, writes: kettle toronto from toronto, Canada writes: Mark Orr from Toronto, Canada writes: Why not allow transit competition. Allow private operators to carry TTC passangers on a fixed rate per passanger basis... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'I agree with your point but I guess privatization of transit is not viable in Toronto as I believe no firm can make a profit... ' Throughout UK, private commercial entities provide public transport services, and determine services provided and price for the services. And the sky's not fallen. In Melbourne, Shanghai, Beijin, Curitiba, and in nearly all eastern european cities private entities offer public transport services (bus and tram, long distance, etc). This cowardly decision of ON parliament is palliative, and will not resolve TO's public transport problems. As an owner of properties in TO and property tax payer, I expect further property tax increases, as the TTC union will now qualify for the same treatment as the police and the healthcare public sector, i.e. no right to strike in exchange for heftier increases in pay and benefits than under their current status. Privatization of the bus and tram services in TO is the only solution, but in this socialist/leftist backwater the p-word is a taboo, both with politicians and the general public. This city is run like Naples, the unions deputizing for the mafia.
  41. Sam Sanders from Toronto, Canada writes: It is about time for Premier McGuinty to pass legislation making TTC an essential service, and then bring alternative bus service and transit service and privatize the TTC to the extent of breaking the union and forcing TTC workers to get paid what the private sector is getting paid.

    They don't like it, quit, get fired and work at Mcdonalds, or WalMart if you are lucky to get a job.

    The Toronto taxpayers are sick and tired of being held hostage by these overpaid parasites. These TTC workers could be easily replaced. How difficult is it to hand out tokens and count change.

    You have gone too far, Kinnear.
    The people of Toronto will not forget your greed.
    Let us throw these TTC hostage takers in jail to rot.
  42. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: Power to the Union. United we stand, divided we fall .....flat on our face.
  43. Eric the Red from Uzbekistan writes: Dear Bob and the maintenance wing of the ATU 113:

    How about them apples?

    Upgrade your skills to remain competitive and accept the fact that the city is not tolerant of ceding to your jobs-for-life demands.
  44. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: miller ....

    just said, deal requires some thought ......

    isn't that rich ....

    that is the problem ......

    YOU can not think .............

    YOU are not capable of ...........

    THOUGHT .

    period.

    miller and bone head ........

    threw the people of toronto ......

    UNDER THE BUS .
  45. A A from Canada writes: Here is my issue with the whole crappy attitude of the unions. Don't give a damn what anyone else says but like Fire, police and ambulance the TTC is an essential service.

    The selfish union jerks probably did not think of the impact this would have on the GTA.

    Here is scenario that could have played out....
    More cars means more emmissions (you cannot bike from Scarborough to Downtown) which means more people with respiratory problems and oh yes the ambulance being called to the person in crisis would not get there in time 'cause of the gridlock.

  46. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: 7 out of 15 union bosses ........

    did not sign the dirty little deal .........

    miller, can not read ........

    miller was played for the .....

    FOOL ...

    that he is by ...........

    can'teeeer the raaaat ......

    miller ...

    FIRED NOW, FORTHWITH ......
  47. kettle toronto from toronto, Canada writes: Peter Bojkov from Vaughan ON, writes: Throughout UK, private commercial entities provide public transport services, and determine services provided and price for the services. And the sky's not fallen. In Melbourne, Shanghai, Beijin, Curitiba, and in nearly all eastern european cities private entities offer public transport services
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I know, that's why I said for Toronto only. Basically North Americans are relatively dependent on private automobiles and relatively undermine the importance of public transport. Technological and structural improvements are minimal. Compare North American subways or buses with those in Europe and Asia. Simply inferior and I think nothing will be done unless there is sufficient demand to simulate the improvements. Lads time to ditch your cars and commute by buses and subways.
    Also to be frank, I think the public here are too relaxed and generous to the TTC. From where I came from, if such thing happened, the public will file petitions and protests that will surely make a big deal out of it. If the public just continues to sit back, they will NOT make any improvements I'm sorry.
  48. F H from Canada writes: 'Mr. Webster said he sent out two voicemail messages to TTC staff over the weekend advising them to report for work once the bill was passed and reassuring them that the TTC would ask customers to “treat them with dignity.”'

    Why? Did the TTC treat the customers with dignity? Or did they strand thousands of people, many of whom had no alternatives other than the TTC? The TTC is extremely* lucky that no women were raped while being forced to walk home after finding there was no public transport when the clubs closed. They're very lucky no one died in any violence that could well have ensued. They should have at *least done this after the night shifts were over. What they chose to do was completely dangerous to the public.

    How many students, shift workers and night shift workers who can't afford a car or taxi lost money or even their jobs because of this? Who will pay back their lost wages for jobs that were too far to walk to?

    Utterly shameful. Any support they had from me disappeared Friday night like the taillights of an out of service subway train down a tunnel.
  49. Oscar N. from Toronto, Canada writes: PUBLIC Transit does not belong to a bunch of ... people whose skills do not go beyond being able to push the right a button to open or close the doors of the subway.

    Why is the public transit system in Canada's most important city giving such a narrow-minded group the power to close the doors of the whole public transit system?
  50. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: bone head ..........

    just said on the radio ...

    dirty little deal was ..........

    fair !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    absolutely un truth ful .........

    dirty little deal was ...........

    UNFAIR ...........

    bone head ..........

    you do ............

    Z E R O at the ttc .....

    i want all my $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

    back from you .

    period .
  51. kettle toronto from toronto, Canada writes: From the garbage incident to this TTC strike,
    it is obvious that the leftists and human right activists are too dominant in Canada and when these 2 forces combine,
    they create a huge barrier for public improvement.
    This is because NOBODY can be sacrificed for public improvement since they have rights and this and that......
    In 20 years time Canada will surely become a place technologically and economically behind if this continues.
    Changes have to be made now, and people will have to wake up.
  52. Sober Second Thought from Toronto, Canada writes: Time to overhaul the TTC. I say lock them out and break it up into different companies. We all survived on Saturday and will survive this week.

    The deal was too rich and the spoiled workers wanted twice the rate of inflation even during a recession! If Miller and the council agree to more, we should throw them out too. I can't wait to show them the finger on Monday!
  53. Sober Second Thought from Toronto, Canada writes: A T from Victoria -Hey Leave my precious Blackberry out of this!! It is just a harmless little......enabler. Yeah - if I want to be a workaholic it is my choice. Oh my sweet precious.
  54. kettle toronto from toronto, Canada writes: Hong Kong MTR rules, it won the best Asian Metro award in the Metro Awards 2008. TTC in contrary, is a piece of crap.

    The government here should learn from MTR ... if you don't know what it is search for it in the internet. Do some research on it and you will understand the TTC's real problems. Open your eyes to the world people!
  55. hossein hajiagha from Victoria, Canada writes: first of may is a? happy labours day? or happy capitalism day? go back to work . I ordering , now? do not talk, This is order.... long live China? down with democracy and freedom?
    how much are government pay to those fat????working in parliament or local government are spending must of the times search on Internet for fashion?????
    I tell you a true story I was be cleaner in Toronto look after the government building every night when I get to clean the local office , it was only one place so dirty with lots of garbage food , ... kitchen , I did not have any problems to clean a employer office or desk...because looks to me no one was there to create dirt....one of the employer she looks to me had cat , because lots of cat hair... anothers ,,,was fashion show, lots of shows ..anothers practice golf.....anothers ...lots of the flower or gardening job...
  56. Peter Bojkov from Vaughan ON, writes: kettel toronto: we're not talking car dependency and jurisdictions here. Private business/market, under constraints of making profit, and levels of ticket price (in some jurisdictions price is determined by the commercial entities themselves, in other - by public transport authorities), makes decisions on profitable routes, optimum rolling storck and personnel/shifts, auxilliary services, etc., no matter which jurisdiction is involved. In UK, certain unprofitable , but valuable for the communities, routes are subsidised.

    Privatization will probably result in fewer drivers and buses/trams, automated auxilliary services, optimized routes, lower, market-detrmined remuneration, and NO STRIKES.
  57. jeff c from Toronto, Canada writes: Treat TTC employees with dignity?

    TTC workers will get as much respect from passengers as they gave to passengers Friday night.

    They don't deserve an ounce more.
  58. kettle toronto from toronto, Canada writes: To ron jones from vancouver, Canada

    Well, if they treat the public with respect, and provide a decent service nobody will be hard on them. People should have the rights to strike for sure. But to undermine the public and causing severe damage to the city is unreasonable. This country is funny, always sacrifice the benefits of millions of people for several thousand people. It has happened all the time. Go deeper into debt and get stuck there Toronto, as you will never recover. Why? Just look at what has happened for so long.

    People are now using human rights as excuses for their selfishness and undermine public benefits.
  59. Corbin Elliott from Canada writes: Oscar N. I couldn't agree with you more.

    Public Transit belongs to the public. If we can find people to work the TTC for less money, why wouldn't we? I would feel a lot better knowing my exceedingly high tax dollars were going towards new recreation facilities, hospitals, road maintenance etc. in stead of ensuring that UNSKILLED MEMEBERS OF THE WORKING CLASS get to enter that 'TOP 10%' that Old Blue mentioned.

    What fool would expand his knowledge through higher education knowing more money could be made driving up and down a street or pushing a button, with absolutely no requirement that they do so in a polite, helpful, or professional manner.

    Shameful. What would be even more shameful is if we forgot about this. It seems hard now, but our society has a habit of over-focusing on a single issue just as long as it is in the media, and then forgetting about. (think the AIDS epidemic which, although we've yet to solve, has given way to the Global Warming campaign, which will certainly give way to some other fad before we ever solve it).

    LOBBY YOUR TORONTO CITY COUNCILLOR RELENTLESSLY UNTIL THEY ARE CONVINCED THAT WE ARE TOTALLY DISSATISFIED WITH THE CURRENT STATE OF THE TTC.
  60. James brown from Toronto, Canada writes: De-certify the union...end of story. Glad to see the greedy bunch ordered back to work. Interesting how the environmentalist were so invisible during the whole thing!
  61. Peter Bojkov from Vaughan ON, writes: ron jones: 'And as far as those workers being overpaid; well they are not overpaid at all. As a matter of fact many of them don't make anywhere near what they should be making.'

    Sujective socialist hotch potch. ONLY the open labour market may deremine a fair remuneration for producing/offering a product/service. Acquaint yourself with Economics 101 re minimum wage, unionized labour, etc labour market deformations and their consequences.
  62. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: miller flunked econ 101 ...........

    bone head has never heard of econ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  63. joe 6 pk from Canada writes: clown mayors are voted OUT .........

    poli sci 101 .......

    miller , it's coming ..........

    miller, it's coming for you ...
  64. Tim Cares from Canada writes: If Toronto is broke, it is because right wing nuts keep asking for tax cuts instead of wanting to fund the proper infrastructure upgrades and maintenance the way New York, Paris, London and other world class cities do.
  65. Stephen L from Toronto, Canada writes: Transit is an essential service. Enough said. Look at transit at other city's like Hong Kong, Chicago, or New York and then compare the crap we have in Toronto. Huge Difference in terms of service and technology. HK pushes over 6 million people daily, the TTC can barely push the 1 million here on time.
  66. AU GT from Long Beach, United States writes: Very interesting. I remember reading GM comments during the Lakeside meat packing strike and about 75% of the comments were armchair liberal, pro-union, 'forget supply and demand, we have to protect the workers'. Now its 80% the other way around. Why? Toronto folk believe that TTC is their personal property and are ready to dismember anyone, or any union which threatens it, regardless of other 'theoretical political beliefs'. For the next strike story, keep in mind that someone else has an ownership interest that a union is interfering with....
  67. chris columbus from Canada writes: This is nonsense. They were given what they were vocally asking for. Compensation for assaults. 100% was given. They strike anyway.

    All credibility out the window. They used that as a spring board for asking for wage increases. Its always been and has always been about the money. If this trend continues these clowns will be making more than anyone else in the city. What a backward, braindead group. I backed the first reason, no one should be assaulted at work, its not right. They got what they wanted for this. THEY STRIKE ANYWAY.

    They should have been striking for better shielding like the cabbies did a while back. How the hell is more money going to fix a lost eyeball, or bring you back from the dead?
  68. Emma Hawthorne from Canada writes: Toronto appears to assume it can merely hike transit fares. NOT so. $2.75 is way too high. The TTC needs to get organized, become efficient, and drop fares nback down to $2. This will be more profitable than what they are doing now by permitting rush-hour gridlock to create havic for nearly a million Torontonians every day. Politicians must gird themselves and take on the CAR, and their few thousand drivers who clog our streets, at least during rush hours. No dedicated lanes or expensive construction is needed. Just set up and passively police rush hour transit lanes on major streetcar avenues and streets. With photoradar, ticketing will be a breeze.
  69. Cyrus Ravage from a polluted, over-taxed city in, Canada writes: If the union has priced themselves right out of the market & the ministry can reduce costs by subcontracting maintenance workers, it should bloody well be free to do so,
    The ministry denies this is their intent but it makes great sense to anyone managing funds in the private sector (IE with any fiscal common sense whatsoever).
    This strike is simply another case of a union mandating exorbitant wages at the expense of the taxpayer/end-user.
  70. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Talk about making things good for future hirees by not agreeing to a 2 tier wage regimen.

    The Union has now provided the incentive to have the TTC declared an essential service because of this underhanded madness.

    No more strikes. That's the way it should be. ..........

    Good bye Kinnear ...........
  71. marci mcintosh from Toronto, Canada writes: Please...All this talk about how TTC patrons should be respectful and courteous to TTC employees is a little bit much.

    I have to constantly use the TTC and believe me it is the WORSE! First of all, these people do not know anything about customer service. They are ignorant, rude insulting for no apparent reason which makes me believe they hate their cushy $30.00 hr jobs...and they are anything but respectful and courteous to those who take the TTC. Thank-you very much.
  72. M P from Canada writes: Tim Cares from Canada writes: 'If Toronto is broke, it is because right wing nuts keep asking for tax cuts instead of wanting to fund the proper infrastructure upgrades and maintenance the way New York, Paris, London and other world class cities do.'

    We have a left-wing mayor and left-wing premier but it's the 'right wing nuts' who are responsible for all of Toronto's problems? You are a fool if you think hold any credence with anyone that isn't a fellow delusional left-wing nitwit.
  73. Vote NDP in the next federal/ provincial election from Toronto, Canada writes: I'm glad that the workers have ordered back to work because riders who are doing they're part for reducing pollution and traffic congestion shouldn't have to suffer.

    Now I hope that everyone (especially punks and angry people) will respect the employees despite having these differences.
  74. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: First offer for the workers:

    -10% a year for as many years as it takes to put your pay in line with the private sector.
  75. Freddie B from Woodbridge from Woodbridge, Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes:
    Talk about making things good for future hirees by not agreeing to a 2 tier wage regimen.

    The Union has now provided the incentive to have the TTC declared an essential service because of this underhanded madness.

    No more strikes. That's the way it should be. ..........

    Good bye Kinnear ...........

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hey!!!! Vern just made a RIGHT turn!!!!!!
  76. John Squires from Toronto, Canada writes: Time to declare war on the TTC union. Replace ticket takers with machines, New York City seems to make that work. Outsource all Maintenance and Mechanics work begining at the end of this contract (thanks for the walkout boys). Then tell them that the drivers are getting a 10% roll back or we'll privatise them as well at the end of the contract. That should leave the TTC union with nothing but the toilet cleaners as members. Very Appropriate.
  77. Hungry Weimaraner from Canada writes: seems to me - stuff like this will just encourage more downtown-based companies to move outside of the city.

    which is great news to me...

    Bring them out the East - Durham Region can swallow them all.
  78. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: Peter Bojkov from Vaughan ON, writes: ron jones: 'And as far as those workers being overpaid; well they are not overpaid at all. As a matter of fact many of them don't make anywhere near what they should be making.'

    Sujective socialist hotch potch. ONLY the open labour market may deremine a fair remuneration for producing/offering a product/service. Acquaint yourself with Economics 101 re minimum wage, unionized labour, etc labour market deformations and their consequences.

    if you had gotten BEYOND (i.e. passed) economics 101 you would realize that we do not have an 'open' labour market, therefore your conclusions don't hold.
  79. CallofDuty . from Toronto, Canada writes: You people who are supporting the Unions, please open your eyes and ears. We the people who actually work and bring business to the province are the ones who have built this economy. Without us, there is no tax money and thus no money to pay these people at TTC.
  80. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: CallofDuty . from Toronto, Canada writes: You people who are supporting the Unions, please open your eyes and ears. We the people who actually work and bring business to the province are the ones who have built this economy. Without us, there is no tax money and thus no money to pay these people at TTC.

    the people at the ttc work, too.

    why do you think there is labour legislation covering things like hours of work, statutory holidays, minimum wages, and so on? do you think these things came from the good graces of the big corporations? these were hard-won concessions won back in the 30s by the same unions you now trash. you should be ashamed of yourselves. i cannot believe how right-wing the majority of these posters are. shame, shame.
  81. Peter Bojkov from Vaughan ON, writes: jimmie rabbit: if you had gotten BEYOND (i.e. passed) economics 101 you would realize that we do not have an 'open' labour market, therefore your conclusions don't hold.

    Politicians and union members (in private business entities and government) excluded , the labour market in Canada prices labour quite accurately. Do your research, and remember: private business does not subsidize ununionized labour. It may pay premiums for extra skills, experience, and qualifications.
  82. Uncle Elmer from Canada writes: I guess Torontonians love Communism until it actually inconveniences them...then steps such as these are taken. Typical lefties.
  83. Duane Freemantle from writes: With how much working conditions have improved by union workers, it has become apparent that there are less situations for unionized workers should be able to go on strike. Declaring a job (government or otherwise) as a essential service does not address the real issue. However, because how labor conditions have changed over the past 100 years in Canada it is about time to address which services should get the essential service designation.
  84. Richard Roma from Canada writes: I resent that people are calling TTC booth operators 'monkeys'. I have done volunteer rescue work for monkeys and they are capable of doing much more than counting change... Monkeys are also intelligent and social beings.

    Just my $0.02.
  85. C J from Canada writes: Mr Webster said he sent out two voicemail TTC staff over the weekend advising them to report for work once the bill was passed and reassuring them that the TTC would ask customers to 'treat them with dignity'

    Guilty-conscious and defensive...

    If after this fiasco, there's no fundamental changes, it will just confirm, again, to the unions that TO'nians are really able to take one in the a$$, quietly, time and time again. So why change eh!?
  86. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: Peter Bojkov from Vaughan ON, writes: jimmie rabbit: if you had gotten BEYOND (i.e. passed) economics 101 you would realize that we do not have an 'open' labour market, therefore your conclusions don't hold.

    '...the labour market in Canada prices labour quite accurately...'

    quite accurately compared to what??
  87. Wilf Kruggel from Canada writes: JD Wood, Harper has nothing o do with a communist problem, that's your take. What Harper needs to do is summons all the jurisdictions in Canada to Ottawa and deal with your favorite leeches, now, not later. Should they suceed, I'd say along with Millions of Canadians, good ridance, Wilf
  88. sean wood from vancouver, Canada writes: It's always enjoyable watching socialist buffoons like Miller, Mcguinty and Hampton squirm uncomfortably at the prospect of having to order some of their supporters back to work. A million angry voters that ride the TTC is not a very palatable situation for any politician eager to keep his face immersed in the public trough.
  89. Khalid Rahim from scarborough, Canada writes: TTC is like the Soparanos with no godfather! The unionized staff love to zip up and down playing 6* as and when it pleases them. Everytime they get a raise through their tantrum their service goes down the drain. Its time the city allows competition through private sector, not only will it improve the character of TTC, but also open new jobs in the transportation industry. TTC will remain the stubborn
    white elephant of the city, as long as those who govern it don't change their own attitude towards the plight of the ordinary public. We always hear about lack of funds for the up keep of this System, it
    surprises one that a city where banks make the most profits are
    reluctant to contribute. At least the city can finance through Bonds on
    intermediate and long term, as long as the returns are better then the GICs by at least two percent.People will be willing to invest, if the
    funds are not mismanaged.
  90. Joshua er from Canada writes: If the strike was because of GOSSIPING about wrong information in regards to contracting out then im just floored and amazed at how stupid the members are. Seriously the TTC must apologized and give back someway.

    Their benefits are very nice and pay is very nice. they dont have anything to complain about.

    Although I really did enjoy my walk downtown from dufferin and queen. It was really pleasant and enjoyable. Gonna do that more, I kinda got lazy when I got a metropass.
  91. Sunny Side from Toronto, Canada writes: The wages, benefits and job security that the TTC (or any government run organization) provides is truly extraordinary. Of course there are dangers and stressors. Any customer service position necessarily exposes staff to abuse of one sort or another. But there have to be limits to the amount and type of compensation they can be provided with.
    From the numerous news reports that I have read, the union got pretty much everything they were asking for on the negotiating table, including a thoroughly ridiculous clause that makes sure the TTC bus drivers are the richest in the GTA. (Don't even get me started on that one).
    I agree that unions have their place and that they should be allowed to organize strikes and other job actions. I do not agree that they should be allowed to endanger the public by doing so. Which is exactly what happened on Friday night. They promised to give notice. It was a Friday night, people are out at the clubs, drinking and many of them were certainly not in any condition to form contingency plans at that late hour.
    The unions have become far too powerful and have lost sight of their main goal - to ensure a FAIR wage and REASONABLE working conditions. Not 'as much money and benefits as we can possibly squeeze out of the system'. Holding the city unnecessarily hostage certainly underlines the greed and negligence of the union bosses.
    The sad part is that it will be not the union bosses (nor the maintenance workers who apparently spearheaded the contract rejection) who will be facing a very angry public tonight and tomorrow They should be ashamed of themselves.
  92. Jose Lapira from Etobicoke, Canada writes: TTC should refund TTC Metropass holders for the days TTC went on strike.
    TTC employees should be grateful to get an increase in salary despite the bad service they provide to Torontonians. No thanks to their union.
    If they are truly unhappy with their jobs, as they they are, then QUIT. You are doing a disservice to people by staying in your jobs when you're not worth the salary you're getting.
    Truly if TTC drivers are to get an increase based on customer satisfaction, they won't be getting a cent for the next 3 years.
  93. Chris A from Canada writes: they are overpaid for what they do anyway.

    Unions have outlived their usefulness. Once upon a time, they were required to ensure a safe work environment.
    Don't legisalte the TTC back to work. create legislation that limits the power of unions and their members have.

    they are an outdated concept that caters and encourages the laziest lowest common denominator employee.
  94. Sunny Side from Toronto, Canada writes: Jose Lapira: TTC should refund TTC Metropass holders for the days TTC went on strike.

    No, I don't think so. I think the union should. The TTC acted in good faith. The union did not. Punishing the TTC for the actions of the union is unfair and could just make them more likely to cave into the next wave of outrageous demands.
  95. J Knight from Canada writes: The TTC should be outsourced/privatized.
  96. C J from Canada writes: Sunny Side from Toronto, Canada writes: ...The unions have become far too powerful and have lost sight of their main goal - to ensur