Updated: Mon Jan. 05 2009 18:12:28
ctvottawa.ca
Striking OC Transpo workers attended an information meeting held by the Amalgamated Transit Union Monday where they were urged to vote down the city's latest contract offer.
"We're not in Las Vegas and there's no odds on anything. We believe our members will reject the offer as we've said there was not much of a difference from the first offer," said Randy Graham, vice president of the ATU.
The union's membership will vote on the city's latest contract offer Thursday after federal Labour Minister Rona Ambrose ordered the union to hold a vote on the issue by Friday. Voting is scheduled to take place between 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. Results are expected late that evening.
"I hope it's going to be rejected," said Al Mayhew, who's been an OC Transpo bus driver for 26 years.
"Stuff they want to take away, we've made concessions for in the past. I hope it goes 'no,' but you don't know. We've been out for a while -- guys are starting to feel the pinch, bills are coming in," he said.
In the meantime, Mayor Larry O'Brien told CTV Ottawa he remains confident the striking workers will vote in favour of the offer that was rejected by the union executive during the last round of contract talks.
"I ask you to come out and take a hard look at the offer . . . take a look at it, draw your own conclusions, but most importantly come out and vote," O'Brien said on Monday.
Meanwhile, many Ottawa residents say the public transit strike continues to make it difficult to commute to work and maintain normal routines.
"Both of the parties that I carpool with were off, and I couldn't find alternate transport. I ended up having to take more time off than I had to," said Kathy Collins.
"I don't get home until 6 to 6:30 p.m., so it doesn't give me much time with my kids," added single mom Sue Hall.
The Canada Industrial Relations Board is also stepping in; asking residents who feel the transit strike is compromising their health and safety to submit their experiences in writing. It could be the first step towards declaring OC Transpo - or part of it - an essential service, which would ultimately force the union back to work.
However, if the union's membership votes to approve the contract on Thursday, a transit strike that has caused traffic gridlock and commuting headaches in the capital for almost four weeks could come to an end without further government intervention.
Even if the strike is settled soon, all buses will stay parked for five to six days while mechanics service the vehicles.
The main sticking point of the dispute remains control over bus driver scheduling, which OC Transpo management wants to take back from drivers.
About 2,300 OC Transpo drivers, dispatchers and mechanics walked off the job Dec. 10 after working without a contract since April.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Norman Fetterley and Vanessa Lee
Comments are now closed for this story
Sue in Kanata
My guess is they are going to vote no and we won't be any closer to a resolution.
Darren McEwen
Andre Cornellier told another news source,
"If we let this go through, it's the end of you and your family... it's the end of everything."
The end of you and your family, eh? He sounds a bit desperate.
If you don't like the working conditions set out by your employer, do what mostly people do and find another job!
Kevin Shea, Ottawa
Let the drivers and mechanics vote this down - we're saving over 3 million dollars every week that we don't have to pay them! If they vote it down - steps should be taken immediately to privatize some or all of this service!
Dan Burnside
Please do vote "No". That would be just great. The city would be happy to fire each and every one of you and contract out the work to people who aren't so greedy and demanding. You complain that you have a stressful job?? You deserve more?? For a job that simply requires a highschool diploma and entails driving around the city, you get WAY too much. Nobody supports you.
Rapper
If they vote NO, cut the signing bonus and reduce the wage increase to 1.5%. Fair is fair. They don't deserve a penny more. They hardly work for it to begin with!!!
GO LARRY GO - ZERO MEANS ZERO!!!
Dan in Orleans
Here's hoping that the looming mortgage payments of our OC Transpo drivers will bring this strike to a speedy resolution. No one can afford to live on strike pay forever.
City of Ottawa taxe payer and municipal voter
Enough is Enough. Message to the union and it's members. from my point of view there is 2 choices.. either vote yes to the latest contract offer and go back to work, OR, Vote no and haev the feds declare OC Transpo and essential Service and still go back to work withing a week. The choice is uours. Either way, the Buses will be back on the road by mid January.
TakeBackOttawa-CJ
Hello Ottawa
lets all Join together Brotehrs and Sisters of Ottawa and Go to LANSDOWNE PARK and Show your "Support of a Yes Vote" and end this dam stike!!!!!
Thursday, January 8th, 2009
6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Civic Centre
Salon E (Lansdowne Park)
1015 Bank St.
FREE PARKING WILL BE PROVIDED AT LANSDOWNE PARK
What do ya say? are you up for a walk to the Park???
lizzy ottawa
we dont know they will vote no. that is what Andre C would like everyone to believe, because then the drivers etc will buy into it. their bank accounts have to be getting pretty empty. dont forget Andre C is still on full pay. why should they listen to that guy? he is a piece of work, a caricature, a bullish idiot who belongs back in the 60s with his stupid rants. while I want this to be over, I do not want the city to cave under this extortion. go ahead vote no, you will be legislated back. perhaps a few perks will be removed.
watchful
If this strike vote ends up being "no", then he only federal "coalition" I want to see as soon as Parliament re-convenenes is a coalition of all federal parties voting for whatever it takes to get this union under control. I'm using the hated word "control" deliberately, because if we want to maintain democracy, as opposed to chaos and "uncivil war", we have to deal with unions that work deliberately against the public good.
GO LARRY GO
GO Larry GO! I realize that not everyone is fully onboard for a prolonged strike but the quicker they vote NO, the quicker we can fire them, and the quicker we can contract out a more efficient bus system. This city is behind you Mayor. We need to clean up wasted spending in all areas and this is a good start.
Boya
To me it just seems ridiculous that they want to control their own schedule. Everywhere else in this world your employer tells you what time you start & what time you finish. I read that Ottawa's transit is the only one in North America who does their own scheduling. What makes them so special?
Hopeful
Hey union members,
This strike has affected literally everyone I know in this city negatively. I volunteer part-time in a women's shelter, and have heard some really sad stories of people who lost their jobs and now have no place to live thanks to the strike. Almost all of the volunteers, including myself, have had to miss shifts because of the strike and have therefore been unable to help these people. I'm a student, and some of my classmates simply won't be able to make it to school this week (thankfully I have a carpool, but many others aren't so lucky).
Please, please vote yes on Thursday. The people who are suffering are good people (you probably even know some of them), and they don't deserve this. We need you to come back. The city can't give you what you want - they don't have the money (we're already in debt! Or, we were, anyways) during these hard economic times, and they also can't bargain with our safety (which this scheduling offer jeopardizes). If you don't vote yes, then you will be out of work for a long time. People will continue to suffer. Please do the right thing. Vote yes.
Knew by waiting a week to vote, this would happen
See? This is what I am saying. By waiting a week before having them vote? It just gives more time for the union to brainwash the other drivers, ( mostly, Jr Drivers )to change their minds and vote no.
This vote should have been held no more than 2 days after the announcment, that all drivers, mechanics are forced to vote, not more than a week later! At first I was happy to hear that finally they will be forced to vote, then while reading further, I seen that the vote was only taken place a week later. WHY WAIT THAT LONG??? Arrrgggggggggggggg!
Ash A
If they vote "no", the Mayor needs to be fired. His tactic has been to not negotiate and try to force a vote. I'm surprised that people here are not putting any blame on the City. It's their responsibility to resolve the issue, not OC transpo.
Oh and yes, we've been "saving money". Do you think we're going to see any of that money?
You want to be mad at someone, try being mad at the mayor and city for embarrassing the city of ottawa by not providing public transportation in the middle of winter.
reidjr
If they vote no that more or less the end of there jobs.I really think the city will dissolve the oc if this is voted down.
Be quiet if you have nothing good to say ;o)
Bla Bla Bla..gggrrrr...
I'm so tired of reading the same old Bull Crap.
To Darren McEwen:
Can I ask you what your point is ? So what if OC Transpo only requires a High School diploma ? What does education standards have to do with this ? May, I remind you that most Civil Servant clerical position only requires 2 successful years of High School and don't even get me started about being OVER PAID !!!! If you're so incredibly blown away by the drivers salary why don't you apply to become a driver. I mean, you must be a savant and hold a diploma in order for you to yap your mouth of about other peoples education !!!!
We're about to see some changes people, the members will vote YES and will be back to work as soon as they can. So please just shut your pie wholes and wait, the day will come.
Fed Up Canadian!!!
To all of us that are fed up with this strike; be careful what you wish for! Union busters are out for themselves, not the public!!!
Vote no drivers! You will send a message to the federal government that unions stand together!
WAIT...WAIT...WAIT... CRAZY!
A month later? And we are still dealing with this crap!
Has the city of Ottawa Not dealt with enough already! Shake your heads! People have lost their jobs because of this strike! Dont you get that? No income for many people because no affortable transportion! This forced vote should have been done right away, NOT wait for a freaken week! This is insane. What's wrong with our goverment? The people of Ottawa are suffering. Geezz, I pray we dont get a natual disaster, Like a earthquake or something like that, can you imagine how long we would wait to fix up the city? probally years! If we can solve a bus strike? A essential service to Ottawa, what happens when something else comes up that could affect our lifes? HEY ALL? Maybe we should go to the parliment hill and protest, get a large group of us, and end this thing once and for all. This is just dragging on too long. Any drivers that vote no? Should be fired. Crazy city.
Socialism is killing us
Disband the current OC Transpo. Fire them all. Privatize OC Transpo. From what I hear there's a tonne of people looking for jobs now.
Dave Ottawa
Let them vote no, then take any existing offer off the table and start from scratch with an across-the-board pay cut of $2.5% per year for three years and do all the scheduling you want.
John
This is getting old..Get back to work ya lazy bums..!!
Aline froom Ottawa
If they are being urged to vote down the city's latest contract offer, why wait until Thursday to order them back to work? Why not do it now? That why, the people of Ottawa that it is affecting will OR may have bus service at the beginning of next week, instead of more that a week from now.
Kris
I think that if the Mayor wants to truly show them the position they are in he should start having talks with some companies that are willing to bring in privatised bus service. Then the drivers will shut up and do their jobs. The union is stupid, but not that stupid.
Samantha
Can someone drive me to my interview tomorrow morning? I live at Lincoln Fields and need to go downtown for it.
Please let me know if you can help, I will pay.
reidjr
The city has put in a very solid offer.It comes down to the union is greedy and wants to control the schedule plus a very hefty raise. The union and its members have gone about this all the wrong way.Lets not forget it was the union that did not want there mebers to vote.
Monique
I do not agree with the Minister giving them that long to have a vote but it is what it is. People will start feeling the pinch soon and that is because the union voted to strike. I understand that not all members voted to strike and I feel for those in the small percentage. But for the 98% that voted to strike, I am sure they do not give a darn about my kids or me. They don't care that we missed appointments, that some lost their jobs, etc. But, what goes around comes around. I am pretty proud of the fact that a lot of people did band together and helped to get to and from work, school, etc. I am not proud that these union members made the city look bad during a huge event like the World Juniors. Vote no and I might actually same myself some money while the city saves some for the themselves.
Dave in Kanata
GO LARRY GO
Anderson D
Be quiet if you have nothing good to say ;o) said:
To Darren McEwen:
Can I ask you what your point is ? So what if OC Transpo only requires a High School diploma ?
Be quiet if you have nothing good to say ;o) then goes on to say:
"Shut your pie **wholes**."
How did you get a job working for OC Transpo with less than a High School diploma?
PA Ottawa
Ash A:
The mayor did not go on strike, the union did. The mayor did not choose the timing of the strike , the union did. Why do you think they are on stike in the middle of the winter? Don't blame the mayor for trying to control the city's budget. We are already paying too much taxes.
You have got a decent deal here poeple. Vote no and I am I sure that:
1. You will be declared an essential service next week and thus back to work
2. The city will then have all the time in the world to make a sweet deal with the Feds (Larry is good friends with John Baird) to get you back under a special law for MUCH MUCH less than what is offered now.
Vote no if you want, you guys will be back to work late next week anyways. I'd rather you vote no in fact, that way, you get the crappy deal you guys really deserve.
P
Guess what, OC Transpo? You forced me to move! Now guess what that means?
That's right, I don't need you anymore!!! Vote however you feel like!!! Goodbye forever!!! Enjoy the public's wrath!!!
Suzie in Ottawa
Another media outlet is reporting that the vast majority of the strikers interviewed this morning are planning on rejecting the City's offer. I hope they do! There is no doubt in my mind that such a vote will signal THE END OF OC TRANSPO AS WE KNOW IT ... which is not a bad thing at all! Someone has to put a stop to the excesses and greed of this union and its most senior members. Mayor, let this no vote be the pretext you need to finally shake things up! You have the support of the majority. This strike has exposed this union and its members for who they really are: Ignorant, Selfish, Greedy ... No words to describe the disgust the public is feeling at the moment towards these ungrateful "characters".
Mary
LARRY AND CREW "STICK TO YOUR GUNS" WE WILL NOT BE HELD HOSTAGE by THE OC UNION DEMANDS........many qualified men and women out here that would love the jobs and be more courteous to patrons.
Fed up
In this economic climate, most people are glad just to keep their jobs. Yet the union is playing hardball over assignment scheduling, something that affects only a small number of workers. These people are completely out of touch.
I hope the union goes bust and the contracts awarded to the private sector. I know plenty of competent people who will be glad to get the jobs that the drivers and mechanics walked out on. Maybe then we'll get decent service and be free of the spoiled unionists who think that holding their customers hostage is a legitimate negotiating tactic.
Tony in Ottawa
The strike serves to show just how backward our city truly is.
In the past I've seen the "Respect: A Two Way Street" signs on the buses but where is the respect for the ridership? We are their revenue source, such as it is, and yet the ATU walks out in Winter. You think that will foster respect?
I hope after the strike is resolved, carpooling and other options are maintained to some of the need for OC. I also hope that the public will be genuinely outraged by the lack of management by The City and actually engage government; even if it's just at the municipal level.
Now if you will excuse me, I must continue trying to convince my college to actually use the online resources that are available so I can participate in my program...
National Capital resident
If the City survived December (with Xmas, Junior Hocky, univeristy exams, ... etc.), it can certainly survive January, but the Union cannot - I mean the members, Andre C. gets full pay - on strike pay.
This may end the strike sooner than any legislation could (should the drivers reject the last offer), because the first priority of the Parliament will be the Speech from the Throne and the budget.
I'm sure the service (public transport in Ottawa) will be made essential. The current situation in the national capital is a national disgrace.
Darryl Stark
------
Quote:
"I don't get home until 6 to 6:30 p.m., so it doesn't give me much time with my kids," Sue Hall.
------
Not enough reason for me to make people's lives miserable. Sue Hall, many people are working more late than you do.
If you really want to turn down the offer, provide the public with more acceptable reasoning.
G-Man
It IS possible for the drivers to continue working AND for bargaining to take place at the same time... The strike is only one way for the union to try to force the city's hand. Get back to work AND keep negotiating, you dimwits.
sid realm
The way I look at it is the Drivers have one chance to go back to work with the public not hating them and this is it. If the drivers vote yes and accept the offer the owness for these terrible times will be placed on the union. If they vote no, well there all going to look less than favourable in our eyes.
steve
Someone show me a single transit union in NORTH AMERICA with the right to schedule their own work and I'll support the union's position 100%
If you want us to believe its not about the money ($100K+ for senior drivers) then drop the scheduling demand and just ask to eliminate split shifts.
Citizen of Ottawa
Flipper and the rest are babies stuck behind their collective keyboards... suck it up and walk he says..
Doubt he is without car... Flipper is that your name or just something clever your bus drivers call you after you ended up upside down in the ditch with "your bus"?
Anne, Ottawa
When it comes down to it, Mayor Larry O'Brien's ego is to blame for this. He has created this dispute for ideological purposes, mostly because he is anti-union. It has been within his power all along to end this strike, but I suppose he has his expensive car to get him place to place, so it's no skin off his back. And why would he want the buses back on the road when he can use this as an opportunity to balance the city budget, quite literally at the expense of the residents of the city.
If Larry win this round with the transit workers union, be prepared for this to happen with every contract dispute that arises while he is mayor.
thinking of others
how about we fire all the bus drivers and hire new ones.. so they can finally be back on the roads.. some ppl are losing jobs, missing school, the elderly that don't drive can't get around.. it's a necessary service in ottawa.. they shouldn't be allowed to strike..
Tori
With these tough economic times no one should be allowed to strike. People that have jobs should be glad to have them.
This strike is causing hard working people to lose their jobs. The companies that are firing people because they cannot get to work due to transit strike should be fined.
This is one hell of a mess the union has caused and it is going to take a lot of tiem to recover from it.
Shame on you all...
Donna
Here is my suggestion: Can the bus drivers only operate during the AM/PM rush hours and then picket for the rest of the day? Let at least the majority of workers get to/from work without costing them so much of their time/money and causing undue hardship for the riders. Obviously neither the union nor the city management is feeling the pain. It is the low income, bus dependant workers who are paying out of their thin pockets for cabs/ride shares/parking, etc. The bus drivers are loosing the very little respect that was left in riders. Are they going to strike again saying that the riders are too hostile to them?
Sue who lives downtown and walks everywhere
To the Fed Up Canadian(!!!): It's interesting that you say that union busters are only out for themselves and not for the public. I'd say it was the other way around. After having lived in Ottawa for the last 20 years, I think it is union leaders that typically have their own political agenda and don't care so much about actually representing the whole membership.
Dave Ottawa
Darryl Stark..
She's a OC rider, not a driver.
Will public transit in Ottawa be declared an essential service? Stay tuned..
kp.
Sue Hall is saying that she doesn't get home now until 6-6:30 as a result of the traffic from the strike. She's not an ATU member.
Steve Royer
I heard that when Toronto Transit was last legislated back to work it only took their machanics to certify all their buses, trains, and street cars in 24 hours. Why does it take 5+ days here for a much smaller system?
Essential Service!
Anyone interested in seeing our transit service be deemed an Essential Service can go to: cirb-ccri.gc.ca/octranspo_eng.asp to give your opinion.
Alan From Nepean area
I hope that this strike will end because a lot of people are loosing patience with this nonsense, It's costing me a lot of money and I have to run across town every day to help people and it is getting tiring. I just hope that the strike ends before some get hurt.
Vote to stop the strike PLEASE
the ottawa union worker
Dose everyone in ottawa think you are entitled to a job where you tell the employer what your pay should be??? this is what you get for bailing out CAW/BIG3 WHO'S NEXT????? i know it not a bailout but i bet my last dollor the top dogs are going to say if you can bail out CAW/BIG3 why not give us what we want
Stefan P
Of Course the guy with 26 years with Oc Transpo said turn down the deal because he losses his nice freedom man I wish I had that deal they have. Well if they turn down the deal I guess it will be poor winter for these guys. I hope you guys woke up and relize how the offer is very good, I know I would take it.
Phil.
I really wish some of the anti-union people on here would read the Canadian Labour Code, and realize bus drivers will not be fired anytime soon due to this strike.
They are legally entitled to do what they are doing.
It's really unbelievable what some of the people here say. Lots of name calling.
How about you all stop wasting your employers time writing your comments and go back to work.
OC Driver
You people are idiots. I hope the union stays strong and votes 100% against the latest "offer".
Flipper
Went to Union Meeting....And I say no to this contract, it will make working condition worse...NO NO NO
Essential Services Petition *
http://www.petitiononline.com/transpo/petition.html
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
firelarryobrien.com
Mike
to "be quiet if you have nothing good to say ;o)
I get it, you're pissed off.. but next time you rant on someone else's comment, make sure you read it first..
When did Darren McEwen mention education in his comment?
ajotawa
It is a safety issue, that is the reason why the City is insisting on it. Look at the # of bus accidents, how long was that driver's shift? The relationship between the Union and the City is so bad, you guys would strike over any issue. Get back to work!
Vote No so we can Fire You
I heard one of the bus driver's say that the mood at the meeting was one of solidarity and that they were upset at the city for "making" them go for almost a month without pay. You guys go ahead and solidify yourselves so you can sink to the bottom like a rock. Nobody supports you - vote "No" already so we can fire you overpayed jerks.
Darren McEwen
I'd like to defend myself from the brillance of the commentator who goes by the alias "Be quiet if you have nothing good to say ;o)" and thought he was being wise in snipping at me.
My original comment had NOTHING to do with high school diplomas or education. After you review this discussion you'll see that was someone else.
Like you though, I hope the strike is resolved quickly but I believe we should have a logical, fair and intelligent debate about this matter.
rl
The city can not fire the drivers because they are in a legal strike. What the city can do is close the door on OC Transpo and begin process of privatisation. If the tugs and the older drivers running the union are successful in getting a NO vote OC Transpo negotiators and city should not and I repeat should not back down on the scheduling issues. They should begin the process of privatizing the service because the message that the Drivers would be sending is that they are not prepare to give the city the right to scheduling work how ridiculous is that.
The comments made by that idiot Cornellier that this strike is not about money must be trough because so far the drivers have lost 8.3% of their earning by being out. Their lost means that they will not have a pay increase for the next three years. If they vote no it will reaffirm the statements made by most people that you do not need to be educated or smart to drive a bus and we could probably trained monkeys to do their jobs. If they were smart they would accept the city offers and go back to work. Under the condition that they were hired in the first place. Driving a bus is not an 8 to 5 jobs and if they do not like the split shift then do like most smart people would do and that would be finds an 8 to 5 jobs. Hoops !!!! I forgot you do not need to be smart to drive a bus. Sympathy for people holding a city hostage will not be found in this blog sorry.
Insecure
to: Ash A
I agree with you. I even started to feel insecure here, in Ottawa. If they cannot do anything about this strike and I ignore people's opinion what about if something more serious happens? We read about drivers,their salary and hours like they are some kind of celebrities and the bus is the luxury that only they can provide for us.Everything is in their hands. Actually,I don't care how much money they make and how many hours they work, I just need a bus as many other people do. Car-pooling, taking the taxi and walking is not a solution for everybody. Drivers need to solve their problems but people should not need to suffer because of them. Some of the drivers were so rude and angry before going on strike and if they will come back with the same attitude I think it will be not safe for us.
Don't take the bus and never will .....
Get back to work you lazy non educated bums ..wish I could arrange my schedule with my colleagues and call in sick so I can just make more money on overtime using the taxe payers money. Wake up all you rookies at OC transpo ...don't let the old guys with 23 years of service ruin your 2009. WAKE UP PEOPLE AND VOTE YES.....
N T
The union didn't want this vote because it is controlled by all the senior drivers that the scheduling issue affects. All the others aren't affected by it (a previous news report stated that only 200 of the 2300 people out on strike are going to be affected by the removal of the scheduling from drivers). The union knows this will pass, which is why they didn't want the vote. There's no reason for them to stop it other than this one issue.
The union talks about democracy, yet is silencing it's own members from having their say... It's good to be hypocrytical when it serves your own interests, isn't it? Andre C sees the end of his strike and probably his career coming, and he's scared.
Fear not, Ottawaiains!
As a junior bus driver with OC, I voted against the strike to begin with and have not spent a single second on the picket line. I have been spending my free time conversing with my colleagues in an attempt to rally support to end the strike. From what I've learned, most of the mechanics and junior drivers are planning on voting in favour of the city's latest offer.
Therefore, if there is a NO vote on Thursday, it means one of 3 things: 1) my colleagues were lying to me, or 2) the union is very good at propaganda and brainwashing.
Also on a side note: not all OC drivers are uneducated louts. I've got a B Sc degree and am driving buses to earn enough money to afford medical school.
lizzy ottawa
I am definitely with the Get back to work you lazy bums guy! seriously the city cant take scheduling off the table simply because they are abusing this privilege and it isnt efficient. do you realize a driver if he signs for a 3 hours shift on certain routes is paid for a full 8 hours? then he does two of those in a day and gets paid for 16 hours for working 6 hours. this is why one fellow said he works 98 hours a week to have Sundays off. he actually doesnt work 98 hours he is just paid for 98 hours. hey taxpayers we are paying for that! I am all for stopping it. grab hold of the reigns again, Mayor, I dont want that union bozo abusing my property tax money that keeps going up every year. no wonder. go Larry! and Andre C - you are a freaking idiot union relic dinosaur. come back and speak again when you can sound rational, reasonable and intelligent instead of just demanding, belligerent and bellicose. (look the words up in the dictionary, since you only have grade a 9 education you probably have no clue what they mean lol)
ATU
Feds fast-tracking 'essential service' tag for transit
Designation would force striking drivers, mechanics back to work
By KENNETH JACKSON, Sun Media
Union members adamant strike to continue Voting day Thursday
If striking OC Transpo employees reject the city’s offer they could still end up going back to work if the federal government declares public transit to be an essential service.
It’s a decision being fast-tracked by the Canada Industrial Relations Board, according to spokeswoman Sylvie Riverin.
“Oh yes. That is for sure,” she said Monday. “That is why we have a public notice. We’re trying to find a more efficient way to deal with matter.”
Riverin was referring to advertisements taken out in newspapers Monday advising the public, union and city to submit their written arguments by Friday.
The move comes after Labour Minister Rona Ambrose forced the union members to vote on the city’s offer, which is to be held Thursday. She also asked the industrial relations board to look into making OC Transpo an essential service.
adama in ottawa
To be honest, the OC transpo strike barely affected me. I live 10mn away from my work and can access anything I want within walking distance. However when I think of how much this strike affects other much more vulnerable residents of our community (seniors, persons with disabilities, children and families) it makes me sick. I am going to tell you what i am going to do about this. I will never ever take an OC transpo bus again. Back to work or not. Not a single dime of mine will ever go into their pockets. If i do ever ride an oc transpo bus again, i'll be riding it for FREE.
Cindy
Be very wary Ottawa, there is a lot that the City won't share with you. They know you can be betrayed easily. They know how to manipulate the media. If the city had such a great offer...who in their right mind would want to put their neighbors, family and friends through such hell over Christmas? Its got to be something worth fighting for. The right-winged, pro-city cahoots gave themselves all a 25% pay increase and still want to increase your taxes by 5%. These guys don't even ride the bus and obviously don't care if you do either. And for those of you who think its an easy job, that all you need is a h.s. diploma...I dare you to give it a try. Firefighters only need their gr 12. It takes a lot of training to weave 60ft bus downtown, without hitting cyclists and parked cars. What goes around, comes around...next time you are late for your bus or you don't have enough change your driver is not going to be so compassionate and stop the bus on your account, or be gracious enough so you can get on without paying full fare. The councillors will show you what you want to see because they know we all can be manipulated and they can afford to bribe the papers, and tv stations with your 5%. The city has saved tonnes of money with the strike...yet you think the union is holding you hostage? The city is holding the public hostage by letting this game go on too long. They turned down the recommendation by a federal mediator to accept the unions offer.
Steph Ottawa
I wish for the drivers to remain on strike. They need to learn that if you want something in this world, you are supposed to work for it, rather than throwing a child-like fit and complaining for more. I'm in my mid-twenties, am very educated and earn six-figures a year all because I worked my butt off to get to where I am. Drivers are uneducated, lazy, 2nd class, 2nd rate complainers who do nothing more than making sure the rest of us real hard-working individuals get to work and make the world go round. Of course drivers all want to take the easy road, the one they've traveled their whole lives and will sit around until their union rep tells them what to do. Drivers, if you want to make your schedule, and be your own boss, start your own business, don't become a city bus driver. Gouging the public tax-payer of their hard-earned money is wrong, and those who do it are simply bad people and should be classified under the same category as other criminals. Unfortunately those voting 'no' are too ignorant to even be aware of their own short-sighted, uneducated, small-world, selfish incompetence. (Ignorance truly must be bliss).
Caleb
Enough with the Union! Break it, break it down now! If OC Transpo drivers don't like their working conditions, then they can take all their training and education and go work at Tim Hortons, and then tell us how nice the pay/scheduling/work conditions are there! Boo freaking Hoo Union members! You a preaching to a public that is suffering pay cuts or even being laid off! No sympathy, hope you all get what you deserve!
be a role model for children
So the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, is that what you want these little children to learn that could not have Christmas because parents had to pay for taxis and just because the bus driver's job is not perfect means they will be on strike until it is perfect? To Union leaders and our mayor who I have NO respect for anymore, I have seen many young children idolize the bus drivers and they go on those buses and they say that someday they would like to drive a bus like OC Transpo drivers when you see a child act more like an adult than this union is those children just bring tears to my eyes. They can be disturbing at times, but honestly when I go on the bus and get a snotty ackowledgement or nothing at all from a bus driver I think that is rude. You are also keeping me from my boyfriend and I think that's just PURE SELFISHNESS on YOUR part! Do we want the young children to think this is the right way to be? I hope not!
April M
"I hope it's going to be rejected," said Al Mayhew, who's been an OC Transpo bus driver for 26 years
And I hope you SOB's who reject it lose your jobs and suffer but let's see who is most likely to get their wish
"Even if the strike is settled soon, all buses will stay parked for five to six days while mechanics service the vehicles"
They should be worked on NOW not later to be prepared and ready to go so we don't have to wait any longer
"The main sticking point of the dispute remains control over bus driver scheduling, which OC Transpo management wants to take back from drivers."
Welcome to having a NORMAL job, like a friend of mine who works for OC transpo says the ones who are not senority get shafted ((he was very against this strike))
"About 2,300 OC Transpo drivers, dispatchers and mechanics walked off the job Dec. 10 after working without a contract since April"
So basically the city knew this was comming so they are as much at fault as OC is for not getting a contract settled long before this all got to happen
I am just sick and tired of all this as many of you are. Enough is enough if they reject it then give them what they want and take away their union and their benefits and they can be regular jo workalots
Fight |Back Citizens of Ottawa Carleton
The ATU continues to hold the entire region of Ottawa-Carleton hostage until the city gives in to their demands. The decision by the ATU to strike has deprived many in our society of access to affordable transportation. This has deprived our most vulnerable citizens of their basic human rights to food, work, medical care, and an education.
Canadian law recognizes the fundamental importance of human rights and grants human rights laws precedence over others. The Supreme Court of Canada has described human rights legislation as having elevated legal status and as being more important than other laws.
Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I have a Dream" speech in 1963 as he fought against American human rights abuses. I too have a dream, a Canadian dream. I have a dream that we, the citizens of Ottawa-Carleton can fight back against the human rights abuses caused by the ATU's decision to take away access to affordable transportation as a means to getting what they want.
I have a dream that we can set a precedent that a union's right to strike does not take precedence over basic human rights. I have a dream that we can stop the abuses by unions where the wants of their members take precedence over the greater public good.
The ATU is holding so many hostage had has taken away so many people's freedom As Rev. King Jr. said, "...stand up for freedom together...and so let freedom ring."
Fight Back Citizens of Ottawa-Carleton
(Fight Back Citizens.. continued)
Let freedom ring from the apartments of the poor who cannot access medical care, family, or food this Christmans season because they cannnot afford taxis. Let freedom ring from the residences of students who could not get to school or write exams. Let freedom ring from the homes of those who have lost jobs because they could not get to work.
Citizens of Ottawa-Carleton, let's fight back and stop unions from holding us hostage. Then we will allow freedom to ring and then, as Rev. King Jr. said,"...we will be able to join hands and sing. Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
Driver for 22 years
I do not like the latest offer that was presented, but I can not support my family on $50 a week.
There is a lot of tough talk going on right now from the drivers, but the majority will vote YES. It comes down to one simple fact..most drivers are broke right now and we can't afford to be without a paycheque any longer.
I am certainly ashamed by the way the Union has handled itself, but I am also disappointed that neither side could work on a solution. I put the blame 70% on the ATU, 30% on the City.
With a mortgage and 2 kids in college, I need to be back to work ASAP.
See ya next week Ottawa.
Lets get this City rolling again.
RJD
OC Transpo, go ahead and vote NO!! Everyday I see the good citizens of this city pulling together, giving rides, helping out and generally successfully riding out this inconvenience. We have collectively just passed through one of the most intense times of the year and we did so very well. It won't be terribly long and the weather will start to get warmer and more bikes and joggers will be coming thus further reducing the need for OC Transpo. Each passing day the union and its mbrs are getting financially weaker while the citizens of Ottawa become more resilient and determined...keep working together as a team Ottawa and help out those who need rides and assistance, but do not (Larry) give into the antiques and childish behaviour of a spoiled union and its mbrs.
April M
Go ahead and vote no!
See if we care
If anything your stupidity and greedyness about something,that NO other job allows you to do, shouldn't be granted. Instead the ones who vote no should be forced back to work with No deal and told..."You have broke even with the public, if you still want ur scheduling then OC Transpo should be forced to pay all those tuition fees from students who can't get to college, all missed hours from those who couldn't make it to work AND support the ones who got fired because of your ignorance to the public"
scott
Cornellier and a handful of strikers (Eg. Al Mayhew) are the selfish greedy ones. The majority I am sure want back..But if they happen to vote NO, let them stay out until Ottawa privatizes.
James
Both the OC Transpo and the City of Ottawa are at fault for this situation.
First of all, the City of Ottawa have been putting up with the OC Transpo Driver's for quite some time and now, now they need to save their budget so some parts of the contract has been cut for the City of Ottawa's sake to save their budget.
Second of all, the bus drivers, mechanics and the Union have been spoiled for a long time and they ask for the rights because of their seniority to choose their shifts. I agree with them but, they should think about other people who have been working in companies that have no rights to choose their shifts and they rely on the OC Transpo for transportaion. They should evaluate the consequences before taking action!
Both of you guys are the worst! Always using useless words and never commit to your promises to the people. How do you think you can help us by doing such things!? Enough is enough, we are sick and tired of your behaviour to the people of Ottawa. BIG FAT LIARS! WHO CAN WE TRUST? DEFINETLY NOT YOU GUYS, OF COURSE!
joyce
Anne: It is not just the Mayor, all the Unions everywhere are fighting for their existence right now in these ecomomic times. Having worked in a Union I can legit. say they are useless.
Gavin
Thanks OC Driver and Flipper, just like your union head you provide no explanation on how the city's offer will be "the end of you and your family". If you'd like to sway public opinion, maybe someone might actually try to state a case for you guys instead of dishing out another tired "solidarity brothers and sisters" followed by a "vote no". Explanations help, and no we're not all idiots... it would just be nice if you could provide some logical reason for your actions!
Mad Rider
Dear OC Driver,
I hope you've been socking your money away because you're soon to be out of a job bucko.
Vote this offer down and you and your buddies are going to be fired.
It's your choice.
Dave Ottawa
Make your voices heard!
octranspo-atu@cirb-ccri.gc.ca
Rona Ambrose notified the CIRB and is asking people to notify them in regards to how the strike is affecting them. Seems that a safety issue is a requirement but we need all the feedback we can get to them.
cody
Anyone for picketing the vote and letting say one car every 3 minutes into the vote? Give the members a taste of their own medicine. Just a thought.....I know this strike is a pain and nuisance for many citizens in Ottawa but I hope that the union members are beginning to hurt financially like many others in Ottawa and soon come to their senses. Any gains they hope to get in this contract should be almost gone at this point.
dreamweaver
Frankly, if the drivers, dispatchers and maintenance workers choose to vote NO and reject the offer that is currently on the table, then I have to question whether they even have the necessary intelligence to drive a bus! In today's economic climate, with thousands losing their jobs, the offer is more than reasonable, and it boggles my mind that the members are expected to, and would willlingly, fall on their swords and blindly follow the coersion of the union leadership for 200 greedy individuals who want nothing more than to continue to manipulate a flawed system.
They are a pathetic bunch!
Angry but helpful
I managed to get my hands on a car during the first week of this strike and ever since then have been going out of my way to get neighbours, friends, coworkers and even strangers to where they need to be for free. Yet I make less than half the salary of a bus driver... clear out those jerks and give good people a job!
Ruth Cole
As an 88 year old transpo user, I feel I am a hostage for OC Transpo. I have been unable to go shopping, go to my Doctor's appointments, etc. I am unable to walk to the stores and am getting "cabin fever." Please put the buses back on the road.
Dive in Orleans
This is the Mayor's fault. The "safety" issue is a red herring. I've heard no credible arguement supporting it. The fact the city was willing to give higher increases in lieu of sceduleing provies it is economics not safety
A 90% no means many more weeks of a strike.
Go Larry Go
tired of the bus riding cry babies
first of all the bus drivers did'nt start this problem, the city negotiators did, by dropping this scheduling change into the negotiations at the last moment. Then the city begins a smear campaign against the drivers even though they did'nt ask for anything...they are just trying to protect what they have. The city would have you believe that they are looking out for the citizens, but in reality are just trying to advance their conservative party,(bust all unions and make everyone work for minimum wage)...agenda.
HC
As a former Torontonian I dealt with strikes there. They were often a threat and if they did happen they usually only lasted a few days. OC Transpo is inefficient and really could use an audit / overhaul. I cannot believe things have been allowed to sit like this for so long.
Taking a taxi is not a reliable option as they cannot keep up with demand and is quite cost prohibitive. (Side note: With a 2 hour or so wait for a cab on NYE, and no bus option, I wonder how many people opted to drive instead? On a night where there is traditionally a great deal of drinking, I wonder how many drivers were impaired?)
For those who have cars and complain about the extra commute time, at least you are able to do so. As a tip check to see if you can stagger your work hours on off peak times or plan social activities ahead and remain in the area you may use your time more effectively that just being stuck in traffic.
Not everyone has the option of carpooling with people they know and the idea of getting into a car with strangers seems like a huge safety issue to me.
Please just get back to work as this is adversely affecting many people, myself included.
I was unemployed and just found a job prior to the strike. A few days in, I could no longer get there and find myself looking for work again. Only now I have to factor in, if can I get there walking. Grrrr...
Sylvie
I wish Larry O'Brien and the OC Transpo knew what was really doing to people. My daughter has to sleep at a friends house all week to be able to get a ride. My husband has to stay in Kanata all week long because it's the only way he can keep working. This strike is seperating families and people are slowly getting depressed about not being able to get anywhere. This is like listening to 5 year olds bicker over who gets to win a game. You are DESTROYING lives and you don't care. People are losing jobs, and families seperated. There is NO compasion. YOU are ALL heartless and selfish.
J. Lahey
Remember Larry? Zero means Zero? Well, with ATU 279, NO means NO!
See you on thursday!
Jon in Ottawa says legislate them back to work.
It's about time the government declairs transit workers an esential service. The company is always in the RED, subsidized with our money. Alot of Drivers are making 6 figure incomes with over time pay.
Personally I pay 2 X $40.00 for public transpo when I register my car and another $350 public transpo fee on my tax bill. Imagine I pay $430.00 a year for a bus I have never been on and if I decide to take the bus I will have to pay again.
I am the one getting Scre..... The drivers are over paid and the riders aren't paying enough to ride. The public transportation should have to pay for itself and not be subsidized by the rest of us. Leave me my money. My Kids are Hungry. I shouldn't have to pay twice.
Dave
This strike is starting to tee me off I think the city
has to start looking for some new bus driver.
Some drivers thate care about the public and city they live in who will do the job right stick to the rout schedual not sit at the transit station and chat it up with the other bus drivers. There are a lot of people that would love to make the same pay that bus drivers get so why nit give them the job.
Nadia
I can't believe it's taking the city and the Federal government so long to establish that buses are essential in Ottawa. Of course they are! Look what OC transpo has done for almost a month now: paralyze the city. How much longer should we tolerate this? The city should not have let this go on for so long and should have come up with a plan B. We all pay our taxes so we need a solution to this problem ASAP.
Kev
Getting hungry yet, union guys? I'm not.
It's not about the money and you only want respect, then how about we put up a Monument to Bus Drivers, and you can vote your sorry posteriors back to work?
Jim T
Hey OC Driver & Flipper, we are the IDIOTS????... We (Mayor, City Council & the taxpayers) are not going to back down, so you better get yourself prepared. The offer is more than fair, and sooner you realize that, the quicker you guys can get back to supporting your families.
Susan
The starting salary is about 50000 for bus drivers.
Most make up to 60 000- 80 000
with "overtime"
then add benefits ontop of that?
That's more than the average engineer! And they want more control and money :p
bc ottawa
on the union website
"your Union's future depends on this vote."
that just about says it all. Who is the union president really concerned about? Would appear himself and his job
CLAIRE
claire ottawa l wish you guys go back too work. you should be happy you have a job. we are have bad time. dont wait until they make you go to work then no body wins.
Joe Dirt
out of all the comments on this board over 60% of them are made by the same Guy or girl.
I cant wait to see Larry O'Brien in court.
Rob
I hope the union votes against the offer, its far too generous for the likes of these idiots. I would love to see all the drivers fired but unfortunetly it doesn't work that way. I do hope they stay out long enough to suffer as much as some of those poor people who are dependant on the bus system. I'm not a big fan Larry but youv'e gone this far, you might as well make the drivers beg to come back to work. Let them wait til spring, the big issue then will be, are there enough bus riders left to support the system ?
Colete
It should be declared as an essential service to the public. There are so many people who's only transportation is OC transpo. They should vote yes and be happy they have a job
Natalie
I work in a retirement home and the bus strike is making it hard for the residents to get around.It really limits their independance.I am a single mom but i have also had to work over time to cover shifts for staff that are late or can't make it at all.I walk to work but had to cancel my doctor's appt.We need the buses back asap.
B.T.
If the city would pay for me to get my licensing to drive a bus, I'd take on the job of an OC Transpo Driver, at current salary and benefits.
I get paid under $10 hourly, 2+ years with the company, and I have personal/sick days whatsoever.
F
OC transpo have screwed up many lifes not to mention business. Legislate them all back NOW and get it over with. Also it should be declared an essential service people have lost their jobs because of them, missed appointment, students can't make it to school for exmams,etc etc... ENOUGH ALREADY.
J in Ottawa
J in Ottawa
Legislate them back at work ASAP, and declare it an Essential Service. Also, No UNION should ever strike again in winter. I mean NO UNION.
dion howard
good lord this is getting ridiculous! the union has the workers on such a short leash that they "urge" them to reject proposals left and right. when this ends the drivers themselves will be rejected by the riders. the service is sooo great, the buses are so clean, the prices are so low!! i reject that union...have you ever been on a bus that broke down? on your way to a job interview...i say lose the entire oc transpo, make it an essential service and call it ottawa transpo...whatever now. i'm so over this sour situation!!!!
Union Made Daughter
If you strikers vote "no" I hope you stay out until you end up sitting in the market with your tin cup and we will be able to give you the same consideration you gave us "nothing".
George Hantzis
I think the ATU Local 279 has lead employees of OC Transpo down a miserable garden path. I don’t think they have come completely clean with the drivers and mechanics. Furthermore, the elected officials of the City of Ottawa have done their part in being dirty as well. They have certainly not worked in the best interest of the City to resolve this strike issue. In fact, both sides have virtually held residents of the City and surrounding municipalities hostage. To save $3.5 million annually in scheduling costs is a mere pittance. Perhaps mass-transit systems should be considered an essential service to any large Metropolitan area.
The strike has added many additional costs to the everyday life of the public; gasoline, parking fees and meals not taken at home; just to name a few.
We speak of tax increases for the coming year of almost 5%. There are cuts to services and raising fees for other services. In my books, this amounts to a double-digit tax increase.
Included in my Municipal Tax Assessment for 2008, was a transit and para-transpo levy of more than $400.00. I am sure that there are tens-of-thousands of similar amounts being collected. Will we receive a prorated tax rebate offer from the City of Ottawa to cover the service that we paid for but did not receive? I’m sure our elected officials would love to debate this issue. To be honest, I think H**l would freeze over before anyone would see a rebate.
tabitha
I have read some interesting viewpoints here today.
As far as essential service declaration goes, please go to the Treasury Board website and read the requirements. IF OC Transpo was declared essential, there would be L I M I T E D at best service, a lot of you would still be affected, it's ok to think the buses would still run, however, probably only major routes, no residential, bare bones schedule, so we would still all be suffering.
The City council, the mayor got us into this mess, how come our elected officials are not getting us OUT of this mess ??.
They let the ATU take the blame, it takes -2- sides to do this kind of damage.
Please remember that ! ! !
m.elizabeth mcconnell
THE CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES were looking for members of the public to donate during the holiday season. How many bus drivers did their a Civic Duty was it 50%?.that would be a selfless act?
Go Larry & Co Go!
sherry
vote yes to the offer people like me who work a mininum wage job cannot afford to pay 200 dollars a week in taxi fare that is half my pay so please do the right thing and vote yes so that this battle will end
David Ward
The fares keep going up and the service cut back. It seems to me that either they should be made an essential service, which doesn't seem likely from what I've heard, or they should be privatized. There should be some competition allowed into the marketplace. At least that might allow for some bus service to be available for those who don't drive.
Privatize
Time's up- privatize privatize, privatize, we'll save $ millions.
We start with something simple. Routes 95, 96 and 97,delivered by private contractors. It works in England, and it will work here.
The current crop of unionized drivers, mechanics and dispatchers are finished- we cannot afford them. Given their reprehensible behavior, I hope every single one them loses their homes, cars and whatever they've financed using my tax dollars. Go to hell.
JD
Wow!
I have read many crazy things in regards to this issue, but some just take the cake. Seems many people are not aware that both sides of the negotiation table are at fault here.
City Council and Mayor Larry O'Brian want to bring back the old scheduling system that, along with the poor treatment of fellow workers, lead to the shooting deaths of 4 drivers.
Union President Andre Cornillier saw nothing wrong with holding the city hostage and using the union membership as a weapon against the general public by stopping people from going to work and stopping university students from writing their exams.
Now I hear people calling to fire and disolve the current public transit and privatize a new one. Doesn't anyone realize how much it would cost the commuter to take public transit if it were privatized? Sure the drivers of the private transit might be paid less, but a private company is a "for profit" company. Do you really think that this opportunity would not be exploited? Add to that a private transit company doesn't have to provide transit to all locations, and would only operate in profitable routes.
Here are better questions to ask:
How long are we going to let people like the current city council, the Mayor Larry O'Brian, and ATU President Andre Cornillier continue to exploit, take advantage, and totally mess up our city while they continue to stuff their pockets with 18% raises and full pay during strikes? When are we, the citizens of what should be the crown jewel city of this country, going to stand up in unison, and bring this city to the glory that it should be from the corrupt cesspool that it is now?
oc driver.
hey public wake up and use your head once in your life.stop leting politicians manipulating you.go find out how the city waisting your dollar and whow big liars they are.you always go after the small guy and you let the big one get a way with every thing.
mike
we're saving over 3 million dollars every week that we don't have to pay them! If they vote it down - steps should be taken immediately to privatize
Laughing at the Union
You can bet that the militants are out in full force, contacting every ATU'er, and 'encouraging' them to vote No, even though most want to go back to work.
Cornellier is due to retire this year and he doesn't care how long this goes on. Do you think he's living on $50/week? Don't think so. He's wanted this for a long time. He loves this.
ATU'ers: this strike is on-going just so that a small few can benefit. Good luck living on $50, just so that the ol'boys club in your union can feast like pigs at the trough.
I don't care if you vote no; I'm working less hours and can stay home if necessary. We all benefit - except the ordinary ol' bus driver. Thanks!
Fed Up
Go Anne Go,
FIRE LARRY O"BRIEN. I couldn't agree more. Bottom line his coucil doesn't even know what the hell is going on !!! Who is representing the people in this city.
OC Rider
Fire-em-all and have some other stuck up company run OC Transpo, and we'll probably pay twice what we pay now. Are we going to receive a rebate for the money we lost on bus passes. Hell no. They are both at fault. Leave it till Harper gets back and let him solve the situation and screw them all.
ihab ahmed
Man the union cracks me up laughing. enough of ur crap seriously. everyone, the buses will be back on the road around mid january because even if the union rejects the offer, the CIRB will and i mean WILL make octranspo an essential service so they will have no choice but to get their asses back to work no questions asked. if they dont go back to work and defy the orders of the CIRB and federal govt then they will get fired and will have to look for another job. and the economy as bad as it is, im sure the workers of octranspo are smart enough with the education they have (wht ever it is lol) will not want to find another job and will stick to what they got cause thats what they are only good at so no choice. anyways go LARRY go, ur doing the best job u can and i support u 100% as an OTTAWA citizen. peace
I hope DRIVERS and the public realize....
to OC Driver...
these are the comments that make the public loath you people so....
"respect is a two way street"
yea? You want the policy, YOU start....
"you people are idiots"
the same person telling us they are missing out on their family time.
With an attitude like this, it is amazing anyone could stand you long enough to procreate with you.
You (being union members or sheep) are only as strong as your fellow brothers and sisters, soooo; we break some of you back to good sense and sound mind, we break ALL of you senior drivers as well.
(the public majority will rule, even if it is done by outside sources)
btw, most of us forget that not only are drivers making 70-80 grand a year at the top, mechanics are making closer to 100
don't hear alot of them complaining now do we? Probably because in this job market, they HAVE realized that 6 figures to spin a wrench in this economy is superb! and unfortunately, they are stuck in the same group of idiots!(the ATU brats)
what you drivers (specifically) fail to realize is if we do lock you out for 6 months, then legally we can fire all of you... what license can you fall back on then? A "g" class, maybe az (that taxpayers have paid for) then what?
with those qualifications alone you will be hard pressed to find an income around 30 grand to drive long distance truck
(we won't even discuss THOSE hours, working conditions and wtf is a pension ??? )
just think about it... Larry (our guy) will not budge, and now we got the Feds on our side...
The public made you, paid you, and now the public will break you...start fresh!
Paul from Ottawa
Vanessa Lee is sensationalizing news reporting by not interviewing a cross section of union members. The scheduling issue only benefits senior drivers. It is actually beneficial for the new drivers. Yet, almost all the interviews and quotes are from senior drivers who stand to gain by holding out.
Martin in Ottawa
Having lived in a few cities in Europe and Canada, I must say that I am really surprised that OC Transpo is not an essential service already. What does it take to make it one?
It's a shame and disgrace that a union can take the capital city of Canada hostage for such a long time, and it is truly despicable that the union still demands stuff even when the whole city is suffering at the worst possible time.
Politicians, make it an essential service! That's what was wrong in first place. I would be extremely disappointed if they *again* get away with non-essential service status as they will probably strike again in a few years. Essential services - NOW !
brick walll
THIS SENIOR WITH 8 YEARS IS VOTING NOOOOOOO! THAT'S IT THATS ALL ON THURSDAY. HEY PUBLIC DO SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE firelarryobrien.com HE'S GOING TO JAIL IN APRIL AND MOST LIKELY BEING BOOTED FROM OFFICE. THERE IS NO CHANCE FOR THIS BS CONTRACT TO GO THROUGH FROM ALEAST FROM WHAT I SEEN TODAY AT THE HALL OF 1500 + STRONG MEMBERS THAT ARE GOING TO STRIKE BALDYS BASTERD BS CONTRACT DOWN. BROTHERS AND SISTERS SEE YA AT THE CIVIC CENTER AND MAKE YOUR VOTE NO NO NO!
frustrated citizen of ottawa
To the drivers that come here and call the riders idiots and expect us to support your cause I will not resort to violence myself in fact i am never taking the bus again but there is some angry people and your eventually going to have to drive the bus. Either way you vote i'm done with this crap service. I just wish this ends before the most vulnerable people suffer more than they already have. The idea of putting my money in that fare box makes me sick to my stomach
Ange
Wow, I wish I had the perks of an OC transpo driver, and their pay as well. Are you people kiding me that this is about your *dignity*??? So choosing your own schedule is considered dignity? And for the more Jr. drivers, do you not see that this is actually a good thing? You won't be getting all the S**t shifts anymore. You stupid union members wouldn't know an awesome undeserved deal if it kicked you in the A**.
jayme
OC Driver
I really do not get you people.You should be doing everything to get public support.Yet your doing the opposiate.Each day your driving public farther and farther away.
AJ
To those who comment "Vote no so we can fire you"
Sorry to say the drivers/mechanics/dispatchers WONT be fired if they vote no... Much as you might hope.
http://firelarryobrien.com/
NoahV
I will talk to my friends and neighbours about the NO vote Mr. Mayor. I will also be sure to point out that those wonderful concerns you`ve addressed are all regresses in the deal. The only offer made to the mechanics was 25$ in tool allowance. Your offer is all smoke and mirrors and the UNION will smile while rejecting it. My only regret is that I can`t write a little message on my ballot to you personally, I won`t risk voiding the ballot. I suggest you get your plan B ready Mr. Mayor because you are going to regret this move. Your contract sucks and is actually worse than I`d thought originally. Your definition of fair and reasonable must be equivalent to S and M. I am thoroughly disgusted by your actions, your morals and your absolutely disregard for my, my family`s and my fellow members families. You should be ashamed of yourself and I for one have no problem calling you on it.
OC Transpo Jr. Driver
To All OC Drivers, Mechanics and Support Employees:
We should all vote YES to this contract offer or otherwise the government will give us a lot less and take away the bonus. They may give us scheduling, but that will only benefit 200 senior drivers. Let's vote YES and get back to work!!
joeybesta
Amazing how many of you feel that the bus drivers can be fired legally. They can't.
Amazing how many of you think privatized transit would be better or cheaper. It would be neither.
Do any of you realize that firing all the drivers would mean also firing the driver training staff (drivers). How long would it take before they could start training new drivers again, 9 months?
Based on how long it took to train the 1000 steady new drivers that have been coming into OC for the last 10 years, it would take about 16 years to train an entirely new workforce, and we haven't even talked about the mechanics yet.
Even with todays complement of bus drivers OC cannot find enough qualified candidates willing to do the job. How is the City going to find 1600 entirely new drivers when they've rolled back the working conditions for a job that people already don't really want?
People, please inform yourselves properly of both sides of the issue and stop with the "half of them make 100 000K/year" and "the Union controls the scheduling" (never has, never will). These things simply aren't true. The City's proposed scheduling system is bad for all stakeholders, taxpayers and riders included.
E-mail your councilors and tell them to accept the federal mediators compromise that the union has already agreed to. If the City had done that right off the bat, there wouldn't have been a strike.
NoahV
I posted that on mayorlarry.ca as well but doubt he will have it in him to allow it to be posted. So I put it here.
ENOUGH with the same rhetoric people.
WON`T BE PRIVATIZED.
WE ARE IN A LEGAL STRIKE.
THEY CAN`T FIRE US/HIRE NEW - too inefficient and would take many months.
A NO VOTE IS NOT NECESSARILY AN EXTENDED STRIKE - likely just the end of Larry`s sticking his nose where it shouldn`t be.
WE DO NOT - NEVER HAVE AND WILL NOT BE IN CONTROL OF THE SCHEDULING - THAT IS A LIE, A MISREPRESENTATION AND RIDICULOUS.
One person asked for a better reason for my NO vote:
I will not give this City every weekday breakfast and supper along with 16-24hrs throughout the weekends. I will not accept conditions of possible 16 hr spread with only 7hrs paid. I will not be bribed to do so. I will not be stupid enough to take a contract that is the equivalent of 10yr step backwards, in all aspects just because you claim it`s generous. It is not - it is a blatant assault on our quality of life our ability to earn a living while having a family. I am a solid NO vote and nothing could change my mind. I want to be back to work, please people understand that the only thing that has stood in the way of us being an essential service is Mayor Larry O`Brien and Alain Mercier. MEMBERS WOULD WELCOME IT. PLEASE DO.
VOTE NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!
Very frustrated and growing apathetic
We'll be lucky if any buses are running this month at all. I have no doubt that Thursday's vote will overwhelmingly be no and the mentality of the ATU has not changed, nor do I expect Mayor O'Brien to cave into their demands. Our only hope lies with the Ministry of Labour. Let us hope that their requests for submission on how the lack of transit can legitmately be considered a public health risk. Good news though, Parliament is back in session at the end of the month. Perhaps then the workers can get legislated back to work, unless of course the coalition decides that they have no desire to see buses running in Ottawa. Oh what a city we live in
J. Saurette in Ottawa
To all the striking OC Transpo personnel:
Are you really satisfied that while you freeze your butts off on the picket lines making less than minimum wage and Andre Cornellier gets his full salary? Are you willing to chance maybe going into debt or starting down the road to taking a hit on your credit rating because you missed a mortgage or credit card payment? Think about the City's offer. I know it's not about money, but really think about the vote and then get rid of Cornellier...
Havenbounce
I don't understand how one group of people can have the power to grab the city's residents by the throat and threatened their lives (by not being able to get to work, get to doctor appointments, getting food to put on their tables) all because they want to be able to say when they want to work and for how long...
I really don't understand why people are yelling at the mayor...all he's doing is saying hey you guys are "just" the employee you should be working the hours your employer wants you to work...(you know work in the real world and not on the OCT spoiled child's fantasy Island)
I truly hope the drivers have enough sense to do what's right and not support the childish temper trantrum their union rep is throwing....after all I was always taught to walk away from little children having a hissy fit.
If they say no than I would support the mayor removing the signing bonus from the table...why reward children having a hissy fit.
hmmm I wonder if we can dismantel OC Transpo and start up a new bus service with a new name...use the same buses (just paint them a different color- why keep any unpleasant memories around, same routes, same buildings but hire new drivers..seeing it would be a "new" service would it not cancel any "contracts" between the city and OC?
TIRED of this scandal LARRY We didn't forget you.
OC Drivers get back to work and Larry we didn't forget you got caught....
The way I see it. People in the city working for the city in a union. Be prepared when it is your turn. This is more of a bully move by the Larry. Since he got charge he wants to look good before his trial. Did you guys not read the article thats for the HI-TECH and larry was that not your sector. Bias....hmm and OC workers shame on you for doing this where the public really need you. In the winter, could have waited after the holidays. But I guess I see the point. But could have wainted until exams finished. Think of that next time.
Peter T.
I'm with city council DO NOT give in to the union .
I have a heart condition & I lost my doctor . I found a clinic a little far away but I'll get there one way or another .I hope that if they don't accept the offer from the city ,OC strikers suffer as much as they made us suffer. I grew up & went to school with Andre Cornellier
he wasn't too bright then & even dumber now .
Parteepan
Hi my name is Parteepan
I just move to Ottawa in September
I have been live in Ottawa for fire month
Then I find out in December that OC Transpo's going on strike,
Transit Union and OC Transpo's should go back to work
How are we get more people live in Ottawa when they is OC Transpo's are going on strike
OC Transpo's and the Union does not care about anyone but then I am talk about the OC Transpo's and the Union
If this how you want to treat people
I am till you know to OC Transpo's and the Union you will lose the public trusting
Now I do not want to live in Ottawa because they is no public Transit
I can even get anyone to help me get any place
I am move back to Sault Ste Marie, Ontario because they is public Transit their
My e-mail address par_ras99@yahoo.ca
Thank you
Sheila Grubek
I for one am all for the octranspo Bus drivers and it's union. I believe that they are striking for a good cause. I also belive that IF The city mayor does not want them on strike, then HE should actually reason with them instead of putting negative thoughts in most our heads and feeding off of it against the octranspo drivers and it's union. You want this strike to end?...side with octranspo!!!!!
John
I dont understand how bus drivers are making mortgage payments ect.. arent they only getting $35 a day ??
TOp
Dangerous precedent: CLRB has NO authority in Provincial operations. Only Fed. authority is for NSC (National Safety Code) which is hours of driving/rest. If CLRB takes action, ALL union AND non-union employees are in danger of having conditions dictated to them with out their say..
MECHANICS CLAIM IT WILL TAKE A MONTH 2 FIX BUSES!
WHAT? A MONTH TO FIX BUSES? DO THEY ALL NEED A NEW ENGINE AFTER SITTING THERE FOR ONLY 4 WEEKS???? The news said, even if the votes are a yes? Octranspo mechanics said it will take at least a month to get the buses back on the road! THIS IS AS LONG AS THIS STRIKE HAS BEEN GOING ON! ANOTHER MONTH WOULD FURTHER CRIPPLE THIS CITY. GET THE BUSES BACK ON THE ROAD WITHIN A WEEK! OR PEOPLE WILL BE ANGRY, THATS A UNDERSTATMENT!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! HIRE MECHANICS IF YOU HAVE TO! THERE ARE MANY MECHANICS WOULD WOULD BE HAPPY TO MAKE EXTRA SIDE MONEY! ITS TIME WE ALL STAND UP FOR OUR RIGHTS PEOPLE? WE WANT BUSES RUNNING WITHIN A WEEK, NO LATER! ENOUGH DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE SINCE THIS STRIKE STARTED, WE CANNOT AFFORD TO WAIT ANOTHER MONTH! IT DOESNT HURT THE PEOPLE WHO CAN AFFORD CABS, WHO CAN AFFORD CARS, AND WHO DOESNT HAVE TO WALK MILES! OUR GOVERMENT SHOULD MAKE THEIR MOVE AND HAVE ALL BUSES ON THE ROAD WITHIN A WEEK, RULE BUSES ESSENTIAL NOW, BEFORE YOU CAUSE OUR CITY ANY MORE SHAME, AND GREIF!! A MONTH TO SERVICE BUSES... WHAT A CROAK OF S**T!
GOVERMENT? DO SOMETHING WILL YA!!!!!!!
Why are we putting up with all this crap?
I just heard on ro news, that if the vote turns out to be yes, to go back to work? The buses will take another month or more before they are put on the road! I see people begging Octranspo to at least run some buses. Now we are begging them to go back! People are p***ed!
A month for buses to be repaired? This is HIGHLY unacceptable! No! We, as customers, and citizens of Ottawa, cannot, and should not, sit around and take this BS anymore!I am ashamed to say I live in Ottawa, and I used to be proud to say that! We must put together our own protest, and I would LOVE to see a VERY LARGE number of people protesting for our rights! Our rights, to have affortable transportation, like our city buses! We have sat around too long, and all we see is this stike being prolonged! We are already waiting a week for them to vote, now they want us to wait another month before buses can be repaired? Half my family are mechanics, there is no way, there is anything wrong with the buses, after 4 weeks, if by any slight chance they need a boost? this is NOT a huge problem, one boost and thats that! I think the mechanics are using this extended time to get back at us for a forced vote. LETS MAKE SURE THEY DONT GET AWAY WITH IT GUYS!
Siyaves Azeri
Why does everybody try to set the price of a commodity when it comes to labor force only? For instance, you go out shopping ending up buying the same product for lower or higher prices in different stores. However, it never occurs to anyone to "condemn" this, rather, everybody "justifies" this with reference to the "logic of free market". Then, be consistent and let the workers set the price for the only valuable commodity they have to sell, that is, their labor force.
One more thing; the whole point of a strike, like OC Transpo's, is to break the daily routines, showing how vital and important the work and the product that is provided by workers is. It can't be effective if it's not going to cause us trouble. So, stop the nagging and let the OC workers fight for their cause.
I support you guys, although the strike might cause hassles in my life.
FEDS? RENT SOME BUSES SO PEOPLE CAN GET TO WORK
GO BUY OR RENT SOME BUSES MAYOR, SO PEOPLE CAN GET TO WORK!
HERE GO HERE:
http://www.coachcanada.com/info/coachcanada/chs.vehicles.asp
OR FIND SOME BUSES TO RENT. DO SOMETHING, OUR CITY CANNOT WAIT ANOTHER MONTH TO GET THE BUSES REPAIRED, AND THATS IF THE VOTE IS YES!
GET SOME BUSES ON THE ROAD, EXSPECIALLY FOR AFTER WORK, AT NIGHT, WHEN ITS MORE DANGEROUS FOR PEOPLE TO WALK MILES TO GET HOME!
FEDS? RENT SOME BUSES SO PEOPLE CAN GET TO WORK
GO BUY OR RENT SOME BUSES MAYOR, SO PEOPLE CAN GET TO WORK!
HERE GO HERE:
http://www.coachcanada.com/info/coachcanada/chs.vehicles.asp
OR FIND SOME BUSES TO RENT. DO SOMETHING, OUR CITY CANNOT WAIT ANOTHER MONTH TO GET THE BUSES REPAIRED, AND THATS IF THE VOTE IS YES!
GET SOME BUSES ON THE ROAD, EXSPECIALLY FOR AFTER WORK, AT NIGHT, WHEN ITS MORE DANGEROUS FOR PEOPLE TO WALK MILES TO GET HOME!
Stick to your guns council!
"We will not have the Mayor Larry O'Brien, (OC Transpo head) Alain Mercier, City Council and general public decide for us what will be the working conditions we would have to endure for the rest of our lives." - excerpt from a letter from Andre Cornellier to the union membership.
Hello - am I missing something? Who does this clown think pays the salaries. Yes that's right -the city and the public- those he obviously views with disdain.
Cat
Everyone just SHUT UP and FIRE everyone ASAP ! Including the Mayor !
Anne Marie Dove, Orleans
As a senior who does not drive I have been adversely affected by this strike. I have lost respect for these hooligans who have no compunction about holding this city hostage. More and more seniors do not drive and rely on the bus for groceries and medical appointments. This is not the time to be doing this when so many others have taken smaller increases or salary reductions or have lost their job. I am soooo proud of our mayor and council and happy that finally they have acted as one body and are staying the course. Do NOT give in!! What other workers are able to choose what they do and when they do it. Absolute rubbish. Either privatize the entire transit system or declare it an essential service. Stay strong Larry.
Honest Operator
Dear Brothers and sisters:
I know is not easy for all of us to not have the service transit for more than 3 weeks.
I am one of junior Operator’s, Believe me, this strike also affecting me as affecting you
lot of people think that drivers making 100k a year, If we do! why u don’t apply.
i am asking each one of you.
Can any one of you, work 13 hours and get pay only for 8.
Imagine you are Operator and u have less sicks days but other City employes have 12-15.
Driver Work = Dealing with scammers + Dealing with weather + Dealing with Traffics + Dealing with stupid questions from the customer(s) ex “Driver Why my dog can’t walk fast this morning!”+ Dealing with drunk people + Dealing with sick people+ Dealing with W chairs and more ..... at the end of the year we end up with 6 sick days.
-City employee = Phones + paper work + Chatting in msn and at end of the year they end up with 15 sick days.
Do you think that faire.
honest Operator
Now second question.
When the Mayor decide to increase his pay to 18000.00$ i guess all of us we were sleeping but us we can’t ask of the increase.
Ok if we have problem with the economic so Oc transpo don’t needs to increase the pass pass also the bus fair.
I really think about the public and same time i think also about me and other drivers
I been helping other people during my strike time, if you have doctor appointment or interview i have no problem to pick you up and drop you off with my personal car.
this is my email; Kerito7@hotmail.com
Be nice to drivers because they are only people that u will find when you are brk on Saturday night coming out from the club and you have no money to pay your fair.
If u going to complain about my english don’t worry it’s my fifth languages.
As i said i am ready to help
Ziyad M
This strike shows how insensitive the ATU and their leader Andre Cornellier to the welfare of their fellow citizens. So Why should we care for them. I think even if they vote "yes" we have to demand that the city privatize the transit system.
Katherine
Hey. My name is Katherine and guess what. I'm failing my classes. I was top 3 in all of my classes and now since i cant get there I am about to fail the course. Maybe the bus drivers who have children own a car because their salary is good enough to have extras. Yeah my mom has a car but shes out of the house at 5 in the morning. I'm not gonna be driven at 5 in the morning waiting outside my school for a good 4 hours in the cold. I cant walk to school. Its about a 2 hour walk. If you don't like your job that much then quit. If that one guy is complaining for 26 years then his job must have been fine to keep at it.
You people are selfish.
And you know how you want to be able to chose your hours? Its not like i can go into my job and say i want to work monday and tuesday but no other days.
If you think its that bad then leave. You are greedy and your not thinking.
Im 16 years old and i think before i do something stupid. Maybe you should too.
trevor sparling
Too OC Union workers.You guys hade a strike 12 years ago and hade your express busses running on the transit way for the people who cant drive and relied on OC Transpo to get around,, But this time you guys dont have any busses running period. that shows you don't care for the public who pays you, your beef is with the goverment not us,your putting the public in danger and ruining lives, and what about the bus passes we paid for in December?Im sure alot of people would like too know that,so why not vote yes? and stop this, or it might back fire on all you guys and will have new bus driving jobs,I might consider driving a bus if you guys wont for the city,Yours Truly Trevor
Rosy
Public transit in Ottawa should not be allowed to go on strike. Too many people have suffered because of the strike so make it mandatory for them to go back to work.
Jyame
Honest Operator
You have to understand there are alot of people who work in the public sector.Yes they deal with crummy customers and the list goes and and on.I have no idea why alot of yous eem to think the driving the bus is the worst job out there.Yes it may nopt be great but nits not that bad.Howwould you like it if all people who work in stores went on strike for what you going ons trike for.
Martin in Ottawa
I have zero sympathy for these guys in these economic times. Awwww... we can't make our own schedules ... awwwww.... tell that to all the people out there working shifts or yet, to 90% of the people on this planet who wish they had their problem.
STAND FIRM everyone. Find alternatives.
In the meantime, I'm quite enjoying leaving earlier and having free parking all day!
Martin
Denis Orleans
OK so a vote will take place on Thursday to see if the members vote for or against the proposed deal with the city. Before you cast your vote hopefully you will read this and really think about your future. First and foremost you all took a career that requires you to work shift work not a government job of 8-4 or 9-5. I did it for 25 years and yes some days you wish your shift was different because of family commitments but hey thats life. You and I chose that career. Secondly you should be thankful that the city does not change its position of salary increase as the federal Government did with its employees including the RCMP. They rolled back their salaries and put a cap of 1.5% on pay increases. Third, only a handful of you membership are affected, then senior members who might have to work shifts they don't like because THEY abuse the system and you are looking to the day that you can abuse the system. So those stuck in the middle should really open their eyes and vote using common sense which Mr Cornellier does not seem to have. If you really want sympathy and respect vote yes on Thursday.
Chris in Ottawa
This should accept this deal before it is decared an essential service and they are forced back to work without a contract.
Mad Rider
Dear OC Driver and Brick Wall,
If you guys thought that it was tough being a bus driver before, wait until you fianlly get legislated back to work and have to deal with a public that you scorned. Hold onto your hats!
Good luck losers...
Oh, wait... you're gonna get fired aren't you...
Nevermind. Guess you won't have to deal with that after all....
Wha ha ha ha Ha
chris
I would like to say "Just leave the fools out until hell freezes over" but too many "real" people get hurt by losing jobs and even possibly worse. I would like to see the city privatize the system and get rid of the present "unreal drivers"
Family Doctor in Ottawa
TO "Fear Not Ottawaians".
What a refreshing change to see a posting from an OC driver that is not militant and selfish.
I am a family doctor in Ottawa and I also teach the medical students a sensitivity/ethics course. I want to thank you for your ethical behaviour and for trying to do what is right. I hope you can make a difference. I know you are going to make a good and ethical doctor one day. Good luck!
To all the OC Drivers who couldn't care less about what you are doing to the public: I would like you to know that people are not joking when they say that they cannot get to needed medical appointments. People's lives are genuinely at risk. We have had multiple cancellations of appointments due to the bus strike every day since it began and the cancellations continue. (I do house calls for anyone who is truly in need and cannot get in, but I cannot do house calls 24 hours a day and still be at the office as well.)
The other day a senior with inflammatory arthritis (every joint in her body is swollen and deformed) walked one hour in the snow to get to her appointment with me!She can't afford a taxi and doesn't know anyone with a car. ATU, people really are suffering. For those of you who have any conscience, think about others and vote "Yes".
Rapper
I changed my mind...
OC CRY BABIES, Vote YES please!!! You'll be forced back to work, become essential service and get NOTHING out of!!! That's starting to be more and more appealing.
GO LARRY GO!!!
Rapper
I changed my mind...
OC CRY BABIES, Vote YES please!!! You'll be forced back to work, become essential service and get NOTHING out of!!! That's starting to be more and more appealing.
GO LARRY GO!!!
Whats fair is fair
To all the people on this blog calling drivers, selfish, uneducated and morons..etc etc....remember this strike will not last forever and we will be the ones behind the drivers seat after the smoke clears,,,REMEMBER that when your late for the bus and he/she just keep driving on past you,,,No reason for all this hatred as it is causing more harm than good!
karen adelberg
I really hope that the fact they *think* the members will vote no is because the ones who will vote yes are not as outspoken as the ones the media has shown. But I agree that the time they are taking to do the vote gives the union too much time to brainwash and convince the members that *everyone* is voting no...
And I agree with the person commenting on Sue Hall's family time thing, getting home at 6pm is a lame excuse to be on strike, get a different job!! As if the drivers don't know when the rush hours are, of course this is when you'll have to work. You should have thought of that before taking the job if it's that important to you.
I've been lucky to have a car and somehow manage this logistical nightmare of getting my husband to work, myself to work, my son to preschool and my other son to the babysitter.
And to those ignorant drivers who say people can take cab to survive the strike, do you have any idea how fast that adds up??? People can hardly afford to cab everywhere!!
PRIVATIZE THE BUS SERVICE!!!
DEEM IT ESSENTIAL!!!
DO SOMETHING, THIS IS STUPID AND RIDICULOUS!!!
Tom Ross in Ottawa
I think the Mayor has the support of most Ottawa residents. The OC workers are paid well for what they do and they have been offered a better contract than most.
Let them stay on strike if they want to live on strike pay.
Mark OC Driver.
Brothers and Sisters.
Don't vote yes. We will be declared a essential service by nextweek. And that is a good thing for us. Just hold out a few more days. Everything will workout in the end. I am starting to feel the pinch aswell but you don't want to except this contract. There are so many things wrong with it. You will be effecting everyone if you vote for it. Beleive me it is not a good contract to except. There is a better deal out there. Just be patience. Whatever you think about your job right now. You will not like it by this time nextyear. Trust your union, there drivers aswell and they only want the best for the employees. In the end they are the only ones that will fight for you. Don't go against them, if you do then don't complain to them when mangement goes against you.
Dan from Ottawa
I see many comments out there in the news about how folks are having such a hard time getting home at 6:30pm and the result of this is not having alot of time to spend with their kids and or family. My heart goes out to you... it really does. However, it is exactly for this reason that I cannot say yes to this contract offer. Right now, I get home at 7 PM. I do not like this, but, I know as a new driver with OC transpo, I have to work my way up the ladder to get better shifts. With this new scheduling, they can force me to work 1:30 hours longer than I do today. Meaning I will then only get home at 8:30pm. Tell me how many people would like that?
james
To NoahV:
You can be legislated back to work.
You can receive 1.5% increase over 3 years.
OC Transpo can be deemed an Essential Service.
Voting NO doesn't mean the city will cave, it means the strike will last longer until the Fed Govt legislates you back to work.
GET INFORMED!!!
Andy in Kanata
Since the City is saving over $3 million /week and making oodles more on parking ... Will the Taxpayers get reimbursed for their parking costs, caused as a result of this strike ??
Concerned Citizen
TO: Mark OC Driver
You thinking by voting NO it would result in OC Transpo being deemed an essential service. That is not a given. Even if it is, it doesn't mean you will get the same contract that you voted down. It means you will get 1.5%, 1.5% and 1.5%, like all other recent Federal contract settlements. You will not only lose weeks of pay, you will loss the bonus and a higher wage increment you could have had if you had voted to accept the latest contract offer. You need better education other than the union propaganda you are receiving.
tired in ottawa
My last OC transpo experience, 5 years ago, waiting 2 1/2 hours in -36 temps for a bus that is supposed to run every 1/2 hour! I vowed then to never ride a bus again and luckily have been able to keep it. I have seen on too many occassions, drivers leave people running for the bus and drive away, refusing to help passengers who need assistance getting on or off, throwing people off the bus because they used the wrong colour tickets, etc. I did see one driver allow someone on with not enough fare and applauded him but that is not the norm. The city put in the by-law saying vehicle drivers must yield to buses, now all I see is drivers flicking on the turn signal and pulling out without looking!
At first you think "ok Someone is having a bad day" but then you see it regularily, and realize its the norm.
I know they can't be fired, thats what a union is about, but I wish the drivers would realize that their union exec's are dictating... not looking out for their best interest. By refusing every offer and not allowing its members to vote it has lead to great animosity, which will be felt by these drivers for a long time to come when they finally do get back to work! If they vote no, they will lose even more respect.
I will continue to get up at 5 am everyday to drive my husband and co-workers to work, but there are those out there who have lost jobs, homes etc because they had no means of getting there.
I'm tired of the whole thing, and from seeing the comments here, I hope people will unite for the good of the city instead of battle each other over this!
CIRB requesting submissions from public
From http://www.cirb-ccri.gc.ca/octranspo_eng.asp
Notice To The Public
[...]
The Minister of Labour, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, has requested that the Canada Industrial Relations Board determine the action, if any, that is required in order for the employer, the union and the employees in the bargaining unit to comply with section 87.4(1) during a work stoppage.
...members of the public have an opportunity to provide a written explanation as to why they think this obligation is or is not being met during the current work stoppage involving the City of Ottawa (OC Transpo) and the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 279.
Submissions must provide specific details in support of the statements being made and must be limited to the issue raised in this notice. They must also include the name and contact information of the person making the submission. Please note that all submissions received will be transmitted to the employer and the trade union for their review and comment.
Submissions may be sent to the Canada Industrial Relations Board as follows:
* by email at octranspo-atu@cirb-ccri.gc.ca
* by fax at 613-941-4461
* by regular mail or by hand at the following address:
Canada Industrial Relations Board, Regional Director
C.D. Howe Building, 4th Floor West, 240 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0X8
Please note that all written submissions must be received at the Canada Industrial Relations Board no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 9, 2009.
marie ottawa
to Dan from Ottawa and Mark OC driver, you guys have shown complete lack of compassion for the citizens of this great city who need your services, to not at least have kept the 90 series routes going during this time, that way people could have somewhat managed. you are all selfish and greedy. my heart bleeds for you. ever think if you wanted more control of your schedule you should have gotten some education and a different job? this is a classic example of someone completing barely high school and then expecting society just to give to them. as a taxpayer I dont like the perks that you entitle yourself to. you drive a bus for Pete's sake, you arent the Mayor. so quit comparing the Mayor's salary increase to yours. I work in the feds and we got squat basically, 6.8% over 4 years with no freaking signing bonus. I hope you are all screwed when ridership goes down because people are finding other options that are alot more pleasant than riding OC trans surly. respect, how much respect have you show low income people who rely on your service, particularly before Christmas and during, and kids who had to get to exams? I hope the service gets privatized, this is complete bs holding a city hostage, embarrassing us in front of the world stage where our junior hockey team has performed wonderfully. I would be completely ashamed of myself if I were part of that striking union. tell me, when he tells you to drink the kool aid will you do that too? are you really this selfish to do this to students who have to walk long distances to get to class?
Scott
I think the union figured if they went on strike before X-mas that the city would cave. Sorry, but this stunt failed. The people of Ottawa are mad as hell at the ATU. You opened this can of worms so be prepared for the consequences.
I think the drivers should remember that with their skillset they may not get work in another field very quickly. I'd suggest they take the offer before them.
If it were up to me in another week i'd close down OC Transpo, lay off all the workers and start again.
Geoff
Well if this is a real OC driver he is just proving they need their pay slashed because their education does not match their pay in the least.
"Mark OC Driver.
Brothers and Sisters.
Don't vote yes. We will be declared a essential service by nextweek. And that is a good thing for us. Just hold out a few more days. Everything will workout in the end. I am starting to feel the pinch aswell but you don't want to except this contract. There are so many things wrong with it. You will be effecting everyone if you vote for it. Beleive me it is not a good contract to except. There is a better deal out there. Just be patience. Whatever you think about your job right now. You will not like it by this time nextyear. Trust your union, there drivers aswell and they only want the best for the employees. In the end they are the only ones that will fight for you. Don't go against them, if you do then don't complain to them when mangement goes against you."
anna ottawa
why couldnt at least the 90 series busses have been running? this was completely selfish and self serving. like the Fire Ottawa bud drivers sign says, OC, we hate our customers. you truly feel disdain for us obviously. can you really be all that brainwashed by those idiot union leaders? face it that scheduling will be off the table eventually if it isnt now. those fat cat economic times are done.
James
To OC Transpo Union Members
The majority of the citizens of Ottawa are behind the stance the city is taking. We will accept a YES or NO vote by your members. We have managed to survive this long and are ready to go on longer.
Your union leader thought by calling the strike on Dec. 10 (just before Christmas and the World Junior Hockey) that the city would cave to the unions demands. He has made a major misjudgement and is now trying to save face. Now he is in trouble and realizes this will be a long strike and will be impossible for the union to win.
ajs in ottawa
I happened upon this site and read every comment, was amused at some and disappointed at others.
To the OC Driver who commented I Quote,
You people are idiots. I hope the union stays strong and votes 100% against the latest "offer"
This is not going to help you guys win back public support, by calling the ridership idiots,it is only going to stoke the fire. You should be ashamed of your comments.
This strike is very unnecessary, we are in a global recession and striking at this time is ridiculous. You make good money, have good benefits, and job security. but no, you want more. Vote yes membership and get back to the task at hand which is transporting people around.
bblakey
The Mayor and council need to stand firm. Do not give in to this out-dated union that has no grasp on reality. These selfish drivers should try a 6 month stint in the military Reserves and see how real dedicated people work. No union, long hours, but always ready to serve the public, no matter what. And guess what, they don't get to tell the Sergeant-Major what hours they would like to work. They volunteer for this! Too bad the drivers don't have any of this compassion for their fellows citizens, or sense of community.
susan ott
comment to whats fair is fair, bus drivers in future will drive by us without waiting? how will that be any different than it was? I often would wait for a bus after getting off the Otrain at Bayview and run up the ramp to catch a bus to Tunneys, frantically waving my arms if I saw a bus particularly an 82 that goes right up onto the pasture. they would never wait. I complained many times and was always told, the drivers have to keep to their schedules. what a crock, dont people matter? many times it was freezing and raining and I was not impressed, so do your worst, it will be not much diff from what I have already seen.
Essential Service Supporter
Go to this site and send an email to support getting OC Transpo declared essential
http://www.cirb-ccri.gc.ca/octranspo_eng.asp
jayme
Mark OC Driver.
THe drivers have to be willing to give back much more then they are.
To start 5&% Pay cut.
jay
Dan
There are many many people working worse jobs then bus drivers.Some people don't get home untill 11:00 pm and are back at work at 10:00 am.THere are other jobs where people work from 9-9 so stop going on its so hard beeing a bus dirver.Yes its not a great job but there are many worse jobs out there.
Bravo Mr. Mayor for such a great plan!
The Mayor and Council of Ottawa have put together a brilliant plan to crush ATU 279 at the expense of it's own citizens. Really we must applaud this plan as it has be executed so well. Begin to negotiate in good faith in November to the point where a deal is ready to be signed and then slide in an issue that would be so important to the union that it will cause a strike.
The plan then gets more involved... continue to deal on the smaller points, adding $10 here, or half an hour there but refuse to deal on the big issue and add a large financial bride at the end so that it looks like greed is the driving factor. Then after 4 days behind closed doors throw up your hands and give up and tell the public that the union is being unreasonable and greedy. This plan involves using the public and media to create an atmosphere of hatred towards the union.
And here is the icing on the cake of this amazing plan. After claiming there is nothing they can do to deal with these unreasonable turkeys (one of the Mayor's favourite names for the union) call for help from the federal gov't and force this debate into someone elses lap.
All without actually doing any hard work or negotiating the Mayor and Council will come out smelling like roses to the evil union. The Federal gov't will end up deciding the middle ground solution and the Mayor can say the outcome is not his fault.
It has been perfectly orchestrated from the onset to crush the union without actually getting involved - Bravo Mr. Mayor I'm sure the citizens of Ottawa appreciate being used as your pones in this game.
