Don't know about hacked. Just looks like a database error. Maybe too much traffic? I'm guessing it was never set up to receive as much traffic as it must have been getting.
Ended up biking through St. Clair West last night around 1am. Used the dedicated lanes. Pretty sweet!
kotsy
quote:
Originally posted by dEsidEL
saw that on the news! hilarious!
ChemEnhanced
Since I never have used and never will use the TTC I could care less about this whole damn thing. The union has the right to do what they have done....so don't be upset with them....be upset with the fact there are still unions.
I hope the strike goes on forever :D
DigiNut
Tell us again tomorrow how the TTC strike doesn't affect you after hundreds of idiots who haven't driven a car in 13 years and probably don't even have valid licenses anymore have been cutting you off and nearly smashing into you or things around you.
And actually, the union does have the right to strike, but they broke a tentative agreement and didn't give the required 48 hours notice, so as a matter of fact, they technically did not have the right to do precisely what they did.
ChemEnhanced
being in milton and only having to go 15 minutes into Mississauga for work I don't see any real traffic unless I decide to take the 401 and if I do then I am only on for two exits. I probably go into toronto once a week for appointments but I schedule those around normally non-traffic times.
DigiNut
Pfft, who cares what some dude in Milton thinks about the TTC strike? :p
Orko
In all honesty, the city has been more quiet with out all these buses. Living on Yonge street, it's easy to notice the difference.
jon jon
quote:
Originally posted by DigiNut
Pfft, who cares what some dude in Milton thinks about the TTC strike? :p
ahahahah
dEsidEL
lol @ Milton ahaha
btw. some more public reaction:
quote:
Voices: Your view of the TTC strike
April 27, 2008
thestar.com staff
Have you changed your plans because of the TTC strike?
I am a pro-union person, however, I am surprised at the complete lack of concern for the public shown by the Transit Union leadership. The drivers, the innocent ones in this, will be the target of a great deal of public anger at the misguided actions of the union leadership. They showed no concern or respect for the health and safety of the public by shutting down at midnight with no warning. Perhaps this leadership has been corrupted and should be replaced.
Irene Fraser, Toronto
As a visiting foreign scientist in Toronto, this is the second time I have seen TTC's strike without any notice. I can say TTC worker's pay is surely higher than the general public who use their service. I often work over time in lab, no benefit, and no bonus. Many of my colleagues, as medical researchers, [would never] halt our research work in order to get a raise in salary.
I think the government should seriously think about the outsourcing the public transportation.
Jeff Lin, Toronto
I have no sympathy with the TTC union. Despite my education and the burden of loan, I am being paid less than $20/hr.
S. Khan, Toronto
Saturday was my daughter's 5th birthday and it was wonderful to see everyone helping each other with rides. I cannot say enough Thank yous to all those who helped.
Kris Nemet, Toronto
I vow, if possible, never ride the TTC again. I am tired of being held hostage by TTC workers who, over the years, have become seemingly more greedy and certainly more indifferent and rude to the passengers that use the system. It is time to get back to the simple things in life, i.e. the convenience of my automobile.
Brendan Edward, Toronto
I cannot believe the reactions of TTC riders. They are entitled to their opinions and everyone understands the frustration with this inconvenience, but the operators have a legal right to strike and my husband like other operators does not have a choice. The union decides they are going on strike and they can do nothing about it.
But riders don't see this. The wage increase was not the sticking point with the contract. Job security was a major issue but the wording in the contract was very vague as to whether the employees families would no longer be covered under benefits?
Maureen Mortimer, Toronto
I am a nursing student who is going to graduate with a salary of $20 and hour. Why should TTC bus drivers earn $10 more than a nurse, have better benefits and still not be satisfied?
I’m training in a nursing home and missed two days because of the TTC strike. I miss those elderly patients.
Danny Cox, North York
The TTC should be declared an essential service and any form of job action should be illegal. The last offer made to the union was more than generous. However, as long as the people of Toronto continue to support their NDP council, the TTC union will continue to show their complete and utter disdain for their customers.
Gerry Thompson, Brampton
I am really annoyed with the way TTC workers handled the strike without at least giving enough notice to the commuters and Torontonians. And they are asking for sympathy from us, the Taxpayers, who are paying their salaries, bonuses and benefits. Enough is enough. It is time for the government to make the TTC not PUBLIC instead PRIVATE and see how these greedy and selfish workers feel what other workers feel working on low paying jobs, no benefits, no right to strike or union.
Angelito Suatengco, Toronto
This is absolutely ridiculous. I am so sick and tired of these greedy TTC workers putting the city on hold like this. It's bad enough that we have to deal with rude, uncaring TTC workers day in and day out. I work at Yonge and Sheppard, and the woman that works the booth is rude . . . constantly on the phone, or doing her crossword, rolling her eyes every time someone asks a question. Why is she there . . . why are you paying her? They have the token turnstiles, and the token vending machine. The city does not support you on this strike, and you are committing a PR nightmare. You can bet people will not be cheering when you return to work. . . . get ready for BOOS. Your salaries are too high already. How many people work much harder than you, and make half your salaries. Shame!
Alex Bourgeau, Toronto
The AU#113's actions Friday night was irresponsible and may have put a lot of people in harm's way (women, young people, the disabled). I think everyone who had to take a taxi or get someone up in the middle of the night to pick them up should send a bill to the union.
Vasselle Barber, Toronto
IKEA was kind enough to pay for the cab ride for my mom to get to work. Going home, they matched up people who lived in the same neighborhood and established an impromptu car pool system. Tomorrow, they promised to do the same. It was a nice gesture on their part. It made it easy to actually get to work.
Nicole Pacampara, Toronto
I made sure to get a receipt from the cab I had to take to campus this morning. I will be sending the bill to Bob Kinnear.
Lauren Ellis, Toronto
I don't understand why the TTC is always on strike, and they always ask for more money. They raise the price for metro pass, but I don't see any improvement. Some trains do not have air conditioning, and some trains are really dirty (it seems no one cleans the train).
David Miles, Toronto
TTC employees and the union executive members were very irresponsible for what they did. They have lost all the respect of the people of Toronto, in particular the needy. These people don't deserve the wages they are making. We have seen the TTC maintainance workers over and over at street corners or in donut shops sitting around for hours instead of doing their work, and they turn around and say that they are underpaid. Management should be keeping closer eye on their workers.
Joe Henry, Toronto
We were supposed to travel on Saturday to see my son's grandparents for his 18th birthday party. As we need to take the GO and then the subway - we had to cancel this morning. It's at Jane and Finch.
The TTC drivers make more than the average person using their service and while I understand they have to put up with the OCCASIONAL bad situation - it doesn't warrant their choices on the vote or Bob Kinnear stranding innocent people. Hope the TTC realizes they have lost a great deal of support from regular users and visitors.
Joanna Terry, Burlington
A woman in a car was kind enough to inform me that my wait at the bus stop was in vain. I was shocked to learn from her that the avarice union and TTC employees had gone on strike. I hope TTC will likewise show acts of kindness and reimburse those of us holding overpriced metropasses that have been rendered useless for travel purposes due to the strike.
Allison Palmer, Scarborough
Conspiracy Theory Time: What if the union never had any intention of ratifying the new contract in order to be able to go on strike without giving 48 hours notice? Giving 48 hours notice certainly has less of an impact than doing it without telling anybody and would probably pressure the city to giving them more favourable concessions in order to get them to go back to work. I'm just saying.
Austin Dumas, Waterdown
This was no act of kindness on the part of the union management. Yes, there would have been some yelling and screaming on the weekend if the strike had been announced for Monday morning. By taking the gutless action that they did, the union heads have made sure that their drivers and collectors are going to hear a great deal of abuse when they return to work. Union leaders must be responsive to the needs of their customers as well as their employees.
Kevin Murray, Maple
Kinnear and the TTC union, like all the other unions in North America, are outdated dinosaurs. In history unions served a purpose, fighting for safety and reasonable work conditions for workers. Now in a free market society, with legislations in place to help protect workers in our country, unions like the one representing the TTC are nothing but greedy pigs and serve no purpose but to line their pockets.
If you don't like your job, find another one you TTC deadbeats. There are thousands of people in the GTA that will gladly do the job you do for less than you are even making now, and you dare ask for more. . . . you are simply selfish.
Just look at what the unions did to the fortunes of Detroit's Big Three. . . . learn your lesson TTC.
Rob Hristov, Scarborough
Have these TTC people heard of London or New York? Both cities were ticket takers long ago, replaced by nifty little machines, that apparently, never strike. What is wrong with this city? We pay TTC workers more than teachers and nurses and they repay the citizens by stranding them at the most vulnerable time of day. Shame on all of them! Fire them all, bring in the machines, outsource the maintenance. Problem solved.
Matt Thomas, Toronto
I'm a native of Toronto . . . I'm currently completing a MBA in Paris, France . . . How in 2008 is it legal for the TTC to revoke an essential service. It is such actions that cause the general population to offer little support to unions. Frankly, I'm not surprised that the TTC finds many people disrespect their employees. With the economy already under pressure . . . how dare you be so selfish. There should be a way to penalize all those who decide not to provide essential services. That way, perhaps they'll all work harder in negotiations.
Kimberly Mccabe, Paris
Having worked an 8-hour shift at Starbucks this morning I can say with complete confidence that NOBODY supports this outrageous strike. Stranding people at midnight was a bullish demonstration of strength. It was exremely irresponsible, and has damaged the TTC's reputation in a way that won't be forgotten for years to come.
Jordan Cohen, Toronto
A friend has just returned from Italy with a great idea for the negative attitude the transit in this city seems to have: put the drivers in a plexi glass box, and make it free to ride the bus. Have them ONLY drive the bus, not deal with customer service, hence never deal with the arguments, threats and abuse that they seem to be so concerned with.
Also, I don't understand why they keep getting raises for a job not well done. For example, I was an active University student who would almost always catch the last train home. Far too often, the man in the middle controlling the doors would fall asleep, delaying our train. Unionized environments have killed the domestic (brand) auto industry, we shouldn't let it take a toll on our city.
Stephen Choi, Toronto
We are all workers, dependent on something to make a living. One prominent slogan of TTC is "Ride the Rocket." You even have an ad where we can park the bus in our driveway. We don't own a car and we believed YOUR slogan. We depended on it like a child from his mother. Can we now trust you?
Where is this Ride the Rocket theme? Where is that park the bus in your driveway theme? The theme should be "Ride the Rocket . . . with fine prints saying . . . but you have to pay the price!!!
TTC is a public service and should never do this to the public they serve.
Christina Luta, Toronto
I want to point out the most unkind and heartless individuals in the City of Toronto or maybe all over Canada, are the employees of TTC. Premier Dalton McGuinty should declare TTC as an essential service. TTC employees are holding hostage the people of Toronto and for that matter the whole country.
Oscar Guasch, East York
I now dislike the TTC workers. This strike takes the cake. No more respect for TTC employees. I am now planning to move out of the GTA before winter.
Sharon Robinson, Toronto
I'm disgusted by the actions of the ATU. The TTC is basically an essential service and for them to go on strike with 1 hours notice is beyond despicable. At least 48 hours gave people time to make alternative arrangements to get home at the end of their shift, let alone go to work the next day.
The only ray of sunshine from this situation is that the provincial government is proving it does actually act on behalf of the citizens of this province by agreeing to sit on a Sunday to legislate the workers back to work.
I only hope that when arbitration is imposed, the TTC employees get less than what they have already rejected. They deserve it for leaving the citizens of this city high and dry without warning.
Rob Nabieszko, Toronto
In light of what TTC's union has done, I hope that Torontonians will push towards a debate that will usher in public transit being declared an essential service. That would give a clear precedent for other provinces in Canada to follow and not put GTA residents in such a situation in the future. After experiencing two transit strikes in Montreal in the last 4 years, I would more than welcome similar actions on the part of the Quebec government.
Art Kuzovkin, Montreal
If they want more money tell them to go back to school and learn a profession. I would have not gone to school for 4 years undergrad, and 3 years post grad if I knew I could make upwards of $100,000 collecting tickets or driving a bus.
Jeffrey Dutton, Toronto
I was supposed to visit my mother in Toronto Western's ICU after she suffered a stroke this week. My siblings have flown up from Florida so that we could all visit her. I was going to take Mississauga Transit to Kipling Stn. & TTC it from there - now I'm stranded & furious! It may be the last time I see my mother alive. Now all I can do is try to call the hospital to see if I can talk with my sister. Gas prices aside, I'd rather starve than rely on public transit so next payday I'm going to buy a cheap used car or one of those little scooters.
Sandy Hart, Mississauga
I witnessed how a frail 60+ year old office building security guard had to decide between walking home 3 hours, or pay a full day’s wages for a taxi ride he could not afford. I respect the TTC’s desire to battle for money, but their attempt to weak havoc is disproportionately affecting our most vulnerable. Not everyone is in good health or makes as much as a TTC employee. One hour’s notice is insanity!
Dennis Wu, Toronto
I usually go downtown on Saturdays to volunteer at a homeless shelter. I considered biking it down but it would take at least an hour and I have not gone out this season yet; not to mention the journey back uptown. As for next week, I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home should they still be on strike on Monday. I say, bring on the back to work legislation, disband the union and pay those guys what someone in a non-union would be paid. Too bad strike-breakers could not be brought in.
Nathan Ho, Toronto
I was hoping for a clarification from Mr. Kinnear on his statement: "We have assessed the situation and decided that we will not expose our members to the dangers of assaults from angry and irrational members of the public," said Bob Kinnear, ATU Local 113 President. What exactly was going through his mind when he made this highly enlightened comment? Maybe you thought of poking all of the riders in the eye with a sharp stick, but ran out of time? I can't think of an action such as stranding the public in mid-trip, that would have provoked more anger. His action put not only "his members" in greater danger (nothing like trying to eject people from vehicles and stations in mid-trip), but the thousands of TTC customers who were left stranded. He's very lucky that no one who was forced to walk home last night (not everyone could afford or get a cab) was attacked or killed.
Jon Fraser, Toronto
Could you not have at least gone two hours until the end of your shift? There are police officers who uphold the law and go to work every day; gas station attendants who work late hours and endure perilous situations with argumentative customers; special education teachers who, through their love of education, endure verbal and physical harassment for the hopes of educating those on the fringe of our system. Apparently, you put yourself ahead of all these people. You have some gall - giving no notice and stranding a city and its visitors. You've shown this evening how petty a union can be in the path to self-preservation. When the time comes, through privatization or outsourcing, may you all be 'downsized' with as much notice as you gave us tonight.
Andrew Pifko, Toronto
The TTC union lied to us. They said they would give us warning. If they were concerned about their safety, they should have gone on strike at 5 a.m. when no would be stranded.
Irene Beau, Toronto
I cycle, so I'm not going to have trouble getting around personally, but the strike has affected my friends and family's ability to get around, and as a result will indeed effect me as a result. I think it was a dirty trick for the TTC to strike at midnight on a Friday. The very least they could have done would be to wait until after the evening service was over.
Kerry Delaney, Toronto
I am disgusted at the behaviour of the TTC union. I say bring on the contractors to cover these brats while they are on strike. Under the current economic circumstances, they should be thankful for the pay increase, pension, benefits etc.
Harry Walker, Toronto
This strike, which for a lot of us came without warning, has thrown away any sympathy or goodwill the public had for the union. The union has every right to reject the current agreement, but they will have to suffer the wrath of an angry and distrusting public.
Jeff Beach, Toronto
The people most affected by the strike are the people that no one is thinking about. Students and part-time shift workers who rely on their weekend employment are now losing money. These are the people that most use the TTC and rely on it at all hours of the day to get to their jobs. The people that can afford to take 2-3 days off because they can not get to work are the people who are not affected by a weekend strike.
Joshua Lecker, Toronto
I am a daily transit commuter looking to return to work after a two-week absence. I have taken the two-weeks to spend time with my family as with have just had a newborn son who is only now a little over a week old. If on Monday the strike continues my fiancee (who is recovering from surgery) will have to get up with me and drive me to work along with our two children (one of them being our week plus old son). Thanks, TTC, for requiring my two children to be placed in the dangers of Monday morning traffic that will be more packed than usual. I do not believe the TTC union came into this situation with honest intentions. Their regular strikes and strike threats have been tolerated long enough. Time to deem this spoiled bunch an essential service, as the TTC union clearly doesn't respect their passengers.
Wade Tomlin, Toronto
In my apartment building on Mt. Pleasant Rd, near Davisville, there is a number of elderly people with mobility issues. It’s a Toronto Community Housing building so many of these people are what we call “low-income” seniors. The distance to any one of the major grocery chain stores is simply too far to walk for them. And since the government pension cheques have just arrived, many will need groceries as convenience stores don’t stock a great deal. In effect, if they don’t have family to help transport them they are in trouble. This strike may well be “legal”, but is it moral?
Neale Gifford, Toronto
The TTC union and its workers are simply living in fantasyland and their decision to strike at midnight instead of just finishing the day shows the disregard and contempt that they have for their customers. They should be deemed an essential service and be given pay raises only in line with inflation, and if they reject that offer they should simply be fired and replaced with people who are willing to work for a more than reasonable wage, with more than reasonable benefits and pension.
Adam Zettler, Toronto
I quit using the TTC long ago. Too expensive and the workers are too lazy and rude. Let them rot on the picket lines for months.
Robert Eddy, Toronto
Having been a TTC rider for many years while living in Toronto, and it seems that every year or so there is some dispute. Isn't public transit a necessary service for the city? No other industry has this much trouble maintaining its employees happy. I am not directly affected by the strike, but I know many people who are. They should eliminate the union, dismiss everyone, and start with people who want to work and make a living.
Diego Fernandez-Stoll, Ottawa
Miller should be ousted. He took an ill-timed trip to China while the strike negotiations were getting started. The union wanted the mayor's involvement and where was he? He may as well still be in China on the taxpayer's money, because he sure doesn't have the taxpayer's interests at heart. That was two weeks ago, and he still hasn't become involved as far as I can tell
Ross McLochness, Manchester
I am a nurse, and at the end of a 12-hour night shift I almost cried when I found out I had to walk home. My job is deemed an essential service, and the TTC is the way I get to my job, so I believe the TTC should be deemed an essential service. It took me more than an extra hour to get home and now I have to sleep and walk all the way to work for another 12 hour shift in the ER. The only people the TTC are hurting are blue-collar workers that work as hard or harder as they do.
Christine McGee, Toronto
alot of people are saying to fire all the ttc workers, as much as i want this to happen i think we all know it would be impossible..
i also think that toronto has one of the worst public transport systems of all the developed cities in the world..
1dawoman
quote:
Originally posted by MarkT
NO other sector impacts THAT many people on a daily basis...so it's high time to deem the TTC an essential service.
this city is huge....it's hard enough getting to where you're going even with the ttc running....it absolutely must be considered an essential service....the union is greedy and this strike is BS and especially if it continues on into the work week....
DigiNut
The more I think about this, the less the essential service thing makes sense.
Yes, the TTC is technically an essential service, but that's not quite the same as saying that TTC workers are providing an essential service. Consider the subway: the whole operation is almost entirely automated. The few remaining people supporting are either already doing the same work as a machine (ticket counters) or are prime candidates for outsourcing (security, cleaning, etc.)
We don't need the ticket booths and janitors to keep the subway trains running. Do we really want to go on record and say that those people are crucial to the city's survival? The only reason they're even still employed is because the union won't let the TTC turf them outright.
I think it would make a lot more sense to split the TTC into two completely separate companies and let them each form their own unions. One for the drivers and executive staff (purchasers, engineers, accountants, etc.) and one for the grunts who we know add no value. Then, next time the janitors go on strike, outsource that entire operation.
