Councillor Carroll and some members of the W33AC have used email to express differences of opinion. This "forum" allows us to engage in an open and civil dialogue.
Here is an email rebuttal from one W33AC member to Councillor Carroll's email on why she voted YES:
I recognize a blatant attempt to spin and this is an indication of someone who has made a bad decision and now wants to justify the actions.
1) The Strike Would Continue Indefinitely: Tell me how you, the mayor or the city bargaining committee know that? Sure CUPE said that they would walk out of talks. This is a standard bargaining ploy and Miller and the majority of Council caved into this cheap threat! Let them stay out a bit longer. Workers were coming back - not many but an embarrassing number. The public was also coping well and learned how to be very prudent with their garbage! Miller could have sought more injunctions to harass the picket lines. But no, he caved!
2) The Premier would have intervened: There was no indication that Queen's Park was in an hurry to get involved. For one thing the city would have had to ask. Unilateral action would have led to a howl on the city's part. Mr. McGuinty did not intervene in Windsor for three months and all indications were that he was not interested in getting involved in the Toronto strike. Shame on Miller and the Council for using this as a crutch!
3) Economic damage: Toronto has been fading as a tourist draw for the past number of years. The recession, expensive Canadian dollar, tight border restrictions don't help matters either. It's a stretch to blame the strike for "our downturn". Leadership, sadly lacking, could have got many building permits out.
4) Eighteen day accumulated Sick Leave: All indications from our "great leader" was that the eighteen days would be replaced with the new plan. New hires have to take the new plan but those already enrolled keep the old plan. What if they don't opt in great numbers for a buy-out? The City's rosy forecast is predicated on a good to great opting for buy-out of the old plan. Typical spin!
Shelley, I have worked for many years in the Fiscal Planning Department for the Ontario Government. I knew too well what goes on I am quite a aware of all the spins which use even if the Media reports the correct facts.
Therefore, we feel that your yes`` vote was a cave in and not the "responsible action of a city steward"!
Regards Mark and Gisela
Dear Mark and Gisela,
ReplyDeleteWe can agree to disagree but I must address two points.
With respect to scepticism about a No Vote causing the Strike to continue:
We know because both Locals made it clear at the table. Having lost almost everything they came to the table to get, taking a big cut to their wage demand and losing a benefit that had been in their contract 60 years, they said the workers would only return on the condition of ratification of the whole offer without amendments or hold outs.
They were present in chambers when Councillor Minnan-Wong tried to stand the Disability resolution down and again stood up in the gallery to make it clear they would walk.
With respect to the Province ordering arbitration, the Municipal Medical Officer had the power to go directly to the Provincial Officer of Health to order the Province to step in. It has not been widely discussed with the media because it was avoided, but very soon he intended to as he needed his public health staff back for at least August to prepare for H1N1 possibilities in September.
Arbitration drawbacks have already been outlined, having already awarded contracts of over 3% a year post financial crisis to Transit and Police, etc.
Best Regards,
Shelley Carroll