quote:

Originally posted by MarkT it's about time!

most definitely.

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I'm all for this!

These TTC worker strikes are really getting ridiculous!

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This is a horrible move. Shame on these councillors.

Way to restrict the free market bargaining process. Get ready for even higher TTC costs (without improvement in services).

Transit is not essential. Doctors? ok. EMS? ok. Police/Fire? ok. But not transit.

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quote:

Originally posted by rabbitjoker This is a horrible move. Shame on these councillors. Way to restrict the free market bargaining process. Get ready for even higher TTC costs (without improvement in services). Transit is not essential. Doctors? ok. EMS? ok. Police/Fire? ok. But not transit.

come on, RJ...TTC *is* an essential service for downtown Toronto, when you consider the lost $$$ for EVERYONE impacted.

this isn't a case of GM strikes and related suppliers/clients/employees are impacted. When the TTC is not running, EVERY industry is impacted by lost manpower. That is not acceptable and that alone could justify the TTC being deemed an essential service, IMHO.

the "free market bargaining process" only works when good faith bargaining exists, without wildcat/illegal strikes.

edit: this should be considered for schools too, IMHO. there is NO reason that EVERY time a contract is up, there's the threat of striking.

agree w/ rj, this is a v. bad move.. hope it doesn't go through

quote:

Originally posted by MarkT the "free market bargaining process" only works when good faith bargaining exists, without wildcat/illegal strikes.

Which is why the TTC should be punished for partaking in such activities - not benefited by making them "essential".

There is no reason for making this service essential - because it is not. The additional cost outcome of essential services are too significant to make this a rational decision.

If anything the TTC should be privatized.

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Dark Dirty Tech Tribal. | Hands in air (trance) and feet on the floor (house).

This can only be a good or a bad thing...

/opine

quote:

Originally posted by rabbitjoker Which is why the TTC should be punished for partaking in such activities - not benefited by making them "essential". There is no reason for making this service essential - because it is not. The additional cost outcome of essential services are too significant to make this a rational decision. If anything the TTC should be privatized.

I'd be fine with it being privatized (but highly regulated).

The union needs to go. In fact, unions in general need to go. They've ruined the North American auto industry, for one, and are an antiquated concept, IMHO. Legislation covers workplace safety, pay equity, etc. The unions suck money out of it's memebers and negatively impact efficiency in a company.

I'm sure some will flame me for that opinion.

I still think the TTC is so enshrined in our infrastructure that is is an "essential service". It's simply not possible for someone to otherwise traverse the city...so how is that not "essential" if there is NO alternative?

On the one hand, I'm glad I have a car and won't have to pay the exorbitant rates that will no doubt come as a result of this. On the other hand, I'm sure they're going to jack up property taxes and other municipal taxes to help pay for this new "essential service".

Boo. Yeah, the union needs to go, but I really think that just about all of Toronto's city councilors need to go, too.

They could just as easily pass legislation making it illegal to strike, without making it an essential service.

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quote:

Originally posted by PivotTechno This can only be a good or a bad thing...

No shit, eh?

quote:

Originally posted by MarkT I still think the TTC is so enshrined in our infrastructure that is is an "essential service". It's simply not possible for someone to otherwise traverse the city...so how is that not "essential" if there is NO alternative?

Umm...walk, run, bike, cab, car, hitch hike, limo, private bus...etc. The others may not be as convenient or cost effective, but do not fool yourself into thinking the TTC is the only option.

This is the same problem that occurs with people who convince them selves there is no other alternative to driving. Again, you have to use the right type of transportation to meet your needs.