*Breaking NEWS* NO TTC Union's Strike on Monday!

[sk8]

NICE!

[Roninvancouver]

time for the biking to begin :)

[dealers]

time for the biking to begin :)

Fill up the gas right now!!!

[c0w]

omg, better rush to the gas station!

[15-20_God]

have fun guys.

[cnbc]

Dammit. No. I work at TTC and I have to go to work on Monday. Time to tune up my bike. It's gonna be a long ride.

Edit: TTC strike + High gas price = total chaos in downtown. University students are getting screwd :!: , this is right before exam period.

[asim99]

i walk to work anyways...in downtown

my chinatown and india bazar grocery has to be done over the weekend

[d_jedi]

f*ckers.
TIME TO START THE GIVE-TTC-WORKERS-THE-FINGER PROTEST EARLY!!

Here's the idea:
Whenever you see a TTC worker today/tomorrow/Sunday, give them the finger. Don't say anything, don't even LOOK at them. Just give them the finger. Show them that we don't appreciate their BULL$HIT, and WE WON'T STAND FOR IT. The plan is also to protest in this fashion once they get back from the strike.

Who's with me?!

[ferkel]

Free day off work on Monday ?

[fwhc022883]

WHAT?! I need it to go up from downtown to markham every day. What the heck?! Those money grubbers...

I think I'll stay home when they strike. Sh~t. So pissed right now. Feel sorry for those uni students cuz it's right at the beginning of exams too.

[actuary]

I feel terrible for all those who bought a Metropass this month. Hopefully the strike will be short lived.

I try very hard to be as pro-transit as possible. I don't drive nor own a car (out of choice!). I am a firm advocate of public transit and encourage all to use transit instead of their vehicles. Cars are the worst polluters in the world. However, I am starting to lose faith that both the TTC and the Local 113 hold the same beliefs in the importance of transit for a better future.

Luckily for me - I walk to work!

[ji2o0k]

I totally agree we should protest and give TTC workers the finger. More importantly, we should give the finger to the heads of TTC's union as these idiots aren't thinking of the significant amount of people affected by their strike (i.e. workers, students, downtown core etc).

I no longer go to UofT and don't use the TTC but this severely affects my sister and she goes to UofT from Richmond Hill. So I feel everyone's frustration !

Bastards !

[Roninvancouver]

Who's with me?!

just you and maybe G gordon liddy :lol: :lol: :lol:

http://www.roycegracie.tv/images/news/020404/gordon_liddy.gif

[thelefteyeguy]

wow as a business guy...i say the union leaders have done a great job

they have successfully created panic and its a great leverage tool for negotiation this weekend...if anyone thinks they are not negotiating this weekend is a fool

now the union have leverage....

[B40]

f*ckers.
TIME TO START THE GIVE-TTC-WORKERS-THE-FINGER PROTEST EARLY!!

Here's the idea:
Whenever you see a TTC worker today/tomorrow/Sunday, give them the finger. Don't say anything, don't even LOOK at them. Just give them the finger. Show them that we don't appreciate their BULL$HIT, and WE WON'T STAND FOR IT. The plan is also to protest in this fashion once they get back from the strike.

Who's with me?!

lame

[guest10586]

Good for them. If their pay sucks that much don't expect them to head to work to see your smiling faces. :P

[IceQue]

that sucks, I have an exam on monday :( ..I can picture what the 401 is goin to look like monday morning.. :lol:..only winners in this strike is the company who owns the 407 :cheesygri

[d_jedi]

just you and maybe G gordon liddy :lol: :lol: :lol:


Ohh kay.. don't really know who that guy is.
/me smiles politely.

[MrDisco]

thats a good point about the metropass. guess i'll be loosing in more ways then one.

monday is going to be fun.

[d_jedi]

thats a good point about the metropass. guess i'll be loosing in more ways then one.

monday is going to be fun.

And the TTC f*ckers (not the union) won't refund the metropass for the days of the strike! That's why I'm using tokens this month.

I HATE THE TTC, EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.

[asim99]

Ohh kay.. don't really know who that guy is.
/me smiles politely.

i think he's a conservative radio jockey...like limbaugh

[thelefteyeguy]

im taking the day off on Monday if a strike happens...i dont need to pollute Toronto idling in traffic ^_^ j/k

actually it's a great excuse ^_^...cant come to work...ttc strike haha

[tinlunlau]

guess Maestro Fresh Wes is out of a job...temporarily. lol
yeah...i heard he's a part time TTC bus driver now. haha

[Roninvancouver]

now the union have leverage....

i know a lot of folks do not like unions (largely because they do not belong to one and do not receive benefits) but....are the TTC grievances at least legitimate sounding. If an employer treats workers unfairly or unsafely...isn't a strike in order?

[d_jedi]

i know a lot of folks do not like unions (largely because they do not belong to one and do not receive benefits) but....are the TTC grievances at least legitimate sounding. If an employer treats workers unfairly or unsafely...isn't a strike in order?
What grievances? TTC workers are extremely well paid. WTF ARE THEY B*TCHING ABOUT??!

[Faeton]

wow as a business guy...i say the union leaders have done a great job

they have successfully created panic and its a great leverage tool for negotiation this weekend...if anyone thinks they are not negotiating this weekend is a fool

now the union have leverage....

Uh, when did they NOT have leverage? They're an essential service, just like hospitals, police and powerplants. Any of those guys strike, and people would and could riot on the streets.

Of course they'll negotiate, but Howard Moscoe isn't a fool and knows that he can't give too much. TTC is always crying for more money, and to spend more labour is just another way to burn money (along with streetcars, but don't get me started on that).

I think the Ontario government should step in and deem them an essential service according to the law, and force 'em back to work. Or maybe just privitize the whole like like Scotland and make it for all the better.

[Roninvancouver]

Ohh kay.. don't really know who that guy is.
/me smiles politely.


g gordon liddy is a slightly right wing fella from the 70s...you can do a google...you strike me being a bit on the right wing side of things d jedi...you must have quite a bit of heated discussions with your profs at U of T....are you usually the only one supporting the right wing side of political arguments?

[d_jedi]

I think the Ontario government should step in and deem them an essential service according to the law, and force 'em back to work. Or maybe just privitize the whole like like Scotland and make it for all the better.

Except the spineless Fiberals have already said they won't do that.

[danfromwaterloo]

This weekend, gonna eat large amounts of corn, prunes, and exlax tablets.

Explosive diarrhea on the subway platform...I hate the TTC.

[Roninvancouver]

What grievances? TTC workers are extremely well paid. WTF ARE THEY B*TCHING ABOUT??!

have you at least read a newspaper to find out what the 2 sides of the disputes are? I mean, you are going to a university, you're supposed to learn about how there are usually 2 or 3 sides to any issue.

or are you just skipping class and smoozing with the ladies :)

[j3fan]

finally!!! i've been waiting for this day :evil:

[Roninvancouver]

Except the spineless Fiberals have already said they won't do that.

Fiberals...hmmm..Neilson used to use that word all the time...hmmmmm... :idea:

[cheukiecfu]

that's right....
fill up the gas...

[j3fan]

This weekend, gonna eat large amounts of corn, prunes, and exlax tablets.

Explosive diarrhea on the subway platform...I hate the TTC.


umm...aren't you from waterloo???

[Faeton]

What grievances? TTC workers are extremely well paid. WTF ARE THEY B*TCHING ABOUT??!

A bus driver can make upwards to $90k if s/he works a lot of OT and odd shifts. This is on top of good benefits, job security, etc etc.

Of course, they won't have a life working all that OT, but $90k is a good amount of money (though honestly not going to make one "rich") for a low-skill/low-education job. All my teacher friends get pissed about all the money they spent on school, only to come up on the massively short end of the stick.

[konfusion666]

pretty pathetic, Ron. *everyone* in Toronto - except for asim99 of course, who is no doubt prez of the David Miller fanclub - hates the TTC.

including all the left-wing nutjobs.

its unfair of you to pick on d_jedi for his anti-TTC views when they are shared among pretty much everyone in North America's most left-wing metropolis.

/thread

[asim99]

Fiberals...hmmm..Neilson used to use that word all the time...hmmmmm... :idea:

are you *cough* alluding to degenerate syndrome *cough*! :D
(just kidding, d_jedi)

[Hymac]

And the TTC f*ckers (not the union) won't refund the metropass for the days of the strike! That's why I'm using tokens this month.

I HATE THE TTC, EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.

Don't use it then - find your own ride.

[asim99]

that's right....
fill up the gas...

is that a response to what danfromwaterloo said? :D

[d_jedi]

g gordon liddy is a slightly right wing fella from the 70s...you can do a google...you strike me being a bit on the right wing side of things d jedi...you must have quite a bit of heated discussions with your profs at U of T....are you usually the only one supporting the right wing side of political arguments?
In the words of Chris Rock, I'm a f*ing person. There's some things I'm liberal about, there's some things I'm conservative about. But I *do* form an opinion, and then defend it vigerously.

Politics doesn't really come up that much in Computer Engineering classes, really.. :D

[GateGuardian]

F!!! I have an exam on Monday, this sux

[Faeton]

in North America's most left-wing metropolis.

/thread

Umm.. you forgot SanFrancisco =)

[B40]

In March, TTC workers rejected an offer that would have given them two per cent raises in the first three years of a five-year contract..

[EchoAngel911]

the ttc is the better way?

oh well, get a bike ...

[j3fan]

pretty pathetic, Ron. *everyone* in Toronto - except for asim99 of course, who is no doubt prez of the David Miller fanclub - hates the TTC.

including all the left-wing nutjobs.

its unfair of you to pick on d_jedi for his anti-TTC views when they are shared among pretty much everyone in North America's most left-wing metropolis.

/thread

i love the TTC!!! now i can laugh at you guys stuck in TO...suckers :evil:

[asim99]

Umm.. you forgot SanFrancisco =)

vancouver would be leftwing too, i suppose

[j3fan]

the ttc is the better way?

oh well, get a bike ...

yes, be like chatbox and ride your bike to work....save the environment....

[B40]

In a similar story, Toronto Raptors Matt Bonner has announced he too will be sitting games out starting Monday. :cheesygri

[chopstickhero]

and the TTC complains of low ridership ... of course it's gonna have low ridership when they keep doing this ****

[asim99]

does the city have 'back to work' powers?

[danfromwaterloo]

umm...aren't you from waterloo???

When I signed up here, yes. I now live and work in Toronto...

In all seriousness...there should be a group of a hundred or so people, and just literally dump feces all over the subway platforms for those ingrateful TTC workers. Half of them would be in a McDonalds if they weren't employed by the TTC. Not only did we just get a rate hike a few months ago (for what? no improvements to service, just the status quo). Our system is dirty and smelly. The service interruptions occur about once a week. There's no expansion plans in place anymore.

So, I'm paying more to pay low-education surly unionized employees MORE than I'm being paid, WITH pension, to do nothing more than open and close doors to subway cars. W.....T.....F?

So, to lodge my protest with them, I'll take a dump on their subway platforms.

[d_jedi]

have you at least read a newspaper to find out what the 2 sides of the disputes are? I mean, you are going to a university, you're supposed to learn about how there are usually 2 or 3 sides to any issue.
Wages/pensions were the main issue. As I said, I think they already make more than enough money, for what is essentially unskilled labour.

Getting fired for consistantly arriving early/late - I agree with this. Schedules are important, and too many times the drivers don't give a **** that the riders might need to arrive at certain places by certain times.

or are you just skipping class and smoozing with the ladies :)
Only occasionally :->
Not a lot of ladies in my program, though.. but that's another discussion :->

[j3fan]

and the TTC complains of low ridership ... of course it's gonna have low ridership when they keep doing this ****

they are not complaining of low ridership....they are complaining of no funding....

[d_jedi]

Fiberals...hmmm..Neilson used to use that word all the time...hmmmmm... :idea:
Do you have any idea how many times the provincial Liberals have outright LIED to the public in Ontario?

They started breaking their promises almost immediately after getting elected.

[Faeton]

Getting fired for consistantly arriving early/late - I agree with this. Schedules are important, and too many times the drivers don't give a **** that the riders might need to arrive at certain places by certain times.


They work in a union.. You actually think they fire people on anything short of assault? No contract would change that.. *sigh* I just hope Toyota doesn't go the way of unions or there won't be any of those cars in my horizon.

[B40]

Do you have any idea how many times the provincial Liberals have outright LIED to the public in Ontario?

They started breaking their promises almost immediately after getting elected.

Liberals lied? No way....what are you on crack? Politicians don't lie man.

[Mr. Robo]

I knew these guys were gonna strike. Whenever a strike looms, TTC will always go on strike.

[goffeebeans]

Great... Gonna have a fun time getting to York at night to write exams. :|. Oh just remembered.. the GO bUS :D Life saver!

[Roninvancouver]

its unfair of you to pick on d_jedi for his anti-TTC views when they are shared among pretty much everyone in North America's most left-wing metropolis.

/thread

all i asked is if knew what the issues were? he did not say he did. he just ranted about his inconvenience.

[Roninvancouver]

Do you have any idea how many times the provincial Liberals have outright LIED to the public in Ontario?

They started breaking their promises almost immediately after getting elected.


really ...a politician lied :rolleyes:

do you or do you not know what the issues of this labour dispute are about? it's easy to rant but honestly...they might have some legit grievance. Besides d-jedi it does not help your argument if you least do not know what the other side's issues are....

let's stay on topic at least because if we open the politicians lie thread we'll hit 2 million posts in a few hours LOL.

[asim99]

Do you have any idea how many times the provincial Liberals have outright LIED to the public in Ontario?

They started breaking their promises almost immediately after getting elected.

you are quite right, and i have no love lost for the provincial liberal government....however, keep in mind, the last conservative government mislead everyone about the financial health of the provincial economy, hence tying the hands of any successor in terms of spending and planning

[IceQue]

A bus driver can make upwards to $90k if s/he works a lot of OT and odd shifts. This is on top of good benefits, job security, etc etc.

Of course, they won't have a life working all that OT, but $90k is a good amount of money (though honestly not going to make one "rich") for a low-skill/low-education job. All my teacher friends get pissed about all the money they spent on school, only to come up on the massively short end of the stick.


You try driving a bus that much for a year then times it by 20 years like what some of these bus drivers have been driving for...and see how you like it..Btw theres more to the ttc then just driving subways and buses..theres so much behind the scenes work that people do for the ttc.

[Digiital]

Well looks like it's a 4KM walk for me from Union to Bloor and Jarvis.

[j3fan]

Well looks like it's a 4KM walk for me from Union to Bloor and Jarvis.

oh, that isn't that bad...just jog to work in your shorts and it will give you some needed exercise....

[asim99]

Well looks like it's a 4KM walk for me from Union to Bloor and Jarvis.

i think that would be about 6 bucks in taxi ride

[Digiital]

?? So your tell me that the driver then has to repair the bus, clean the bathrooms, shovel the snow off the platforms.....

What else does a driver have to do besides drive a bus or subway. It's not rocket science.

Look if your happy with the working conditions, leave no one is force them to stay there. I don't like my job or what I'm doing I find something else. I don't have a union to go cry to every time I don't get something.


You try driving a bus that much for a year then times it by 20 years like what some of these bus drivers have been driving for...and see how you like it..Btw theres more to the ttc then just driving subways and buses..theres so much behind the scenes work that people do for the ttc.

[Digiital]

That what the gym at work is for.

oh, that isn't that bad...just jog to work in your shorts and it will give you some needed exercise....

[j3fan]

That what the gym at work is for.

i thought the gym was used to pick up some chicks :rolleyes:

[Digiital]

First off, $6? From Union to bloor? Keep dreaming. AND on top bumper to bumper traffic? I can walk faster.

Second, you have never experienced a strike in Toronto have you? Downtown Toronto is your worst nightmare.

i think that would be about 6 bucks in taxi ride

[Ngo_35]

ahhh *****. How long will it take to walk from mcowan and steeles to uof t? haha

[IceQue]

?? So your tell me that the driver then has to repair the bus, clean the bathrooms, shovel the snow off the platforms.....

What else does a driver have to do besides drive a bus or subway. It's not rocket science.

Look if your happy with the working conditions, leave no one is force them to stay there. I don't like my job or what I'm doing I find something else. I don't have a union to go cry to every time I don't get something.

Well thats ur fault you don't...think about howcome unions started .. I dont support the strike...thousands need the ttc everyday. but the union is fighting for what they feel is right.

[steve.m]

all we need now is another blackout for a few days, then a snow storm.


time to car pool
http://www.santoalt.com/videos/carpool.php

[asim99]

First off, $6? From Union to bloor? Keep dreaming. AND on top bumper to bumper traffic? I can walk faster.

Second, you have never experienced a strike in Toronto have you? Downtown Toronto is your worst nightmare.

i live near yonge-bloor :evil:

personally, i am very much used to walking the kind of distance you are talking about, when the weather is alright, as it is these days

[j3fan]

ahhh *****. How long will it take to walk from mcowan and steeles to uof t? haha

just jog to u of t in your shorts....it is a nice day and shouldn't take that long...besides you need the exercise :cheesygri

[Digiital]

:) (this is the companies inhouse gym) Speaking of which, this afternoon there was one, that was just freaking amazing, like none of the guys could concentrate on what they were doing. It was pretty funny.

i thought the gym was used to pick up some chicks :rolleyes:

[d_jedi]

you are quite right, and i have no love lost for the provincial liberal government....however, keep in mind, the last conservative government mislead everyone about the financial health of the provincial economy, hence tying the hands of any successor in terms of spending and planning
Fair enough. There's no love lost between me and the previous government, as well (being that I was a high school student during their whole f*ck education thing..)

I was merely defending why I called them the fiberals.. which I believe is an accurate title. (They knew beforehand that the deficit was ~$5B.. but just stood there with their fingers in their ears saying "LA-LA-LA-LA.. I CAN'T HEAR YOU!")

That's another discussion, though..

[Digiital]

**** man, I would love to get a raise of 3% per yr. I would be lucky to get half of that. The TTC offered 2.7% first yr, 3% second and 3.5% the third yr.

Based on a 55,000 ayr job, we are looking at:
1. 56,485
2. 58,179.55
3. 60,215.83

Again, If don't like what the company is offering me, then I leave and go where they will payme what I'm worth.


Well thats ur fault you don't...think about howcome unions started .. I dont support the strike...thousands need the ttc everyday. but the union is fighting for what they feel is right.

[thelefteyeguy]

Except the spineless Fiberals have already said they won't do that.


they had no leverage since TTC has been complaining very heavily for the past 2 yrs that they were bankrupt...they spent the last 2 yrs publicizing the fact they havent received any additional money for the past 2 yrs at all for any govt

it is in the public opinion that since the TTC had no money...most ppl would think that a large increase in wages is out of the question.

....thats why they had no leverage in the negotiation table. Taking the public by the nuts is by no means fair...and thats why i consider this action finally obtaining some leverage

[StrayB]

http://www.pulse24.com/News/Top_Story/20050408-004/page.asp

“Our members in maintenance are asked to work miracles with an aging fleet of vehicles. Our operators have to stay alert every single second under incredible pressures to meet precise schedules."

....


“A few weeks ago, T.T.C. fares went up 25-cents. If our members got a wage increase this year of only 3 per cent - which would barely keep pace with the increase in the cost of living in Toronto - that 3 per cent would account for only about two cents of that recent fare increase,� Kinnear explained."



First he cries about the aging fleet, then he wants more of the fare increase to go towards wages. Eh?

Anyone know what the range of wages are? I ask 'cause this douche makes it sound like every employee is on the bleeding edge of the poverty line.

[thelefteyeguy]

i think that would be about 6 bucks in taxi ride

double it cause of traffic...if the strike happens...which i still doubt.

[j3fan]

Again, If don't like what the company is offering me, then I leave and go where they will payme what I'm worth.

But, that is not the same for a TTC bus driver...what other skills do they have??? they prob have no/low education and all they can do is drive the bus....so if they leave the company (TTC), they will be unemployed for a very long time....unless they have some form of higher education, which i doubt....

[Digiital]

Thats very true, and so they can put the gun up to everyones head and say "give us what we want"

But, that is not the same for a TTC bus driver...what other skills do they have??? they prob have no/low education and all they can do is drive the bus....so if they leave the company (TTC), they will be unemployed for a very long time....unless they have some form of higher education, which i doubt....

[thelefteyeguy]

lol...the mods have lots of work....so many TTC threads~

[sk8]

Most of the TTC employees are in heaven if you ask me. People with almost same education level are digging holes, flipping burgers, painting houses and such. In extremely COLD or HOT weather. Almost everything they do is inside and air conditioned.

like wtf...

[diewlasing]

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 44 (31 members and 13 guests)
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[asim99]

does anyone know of a city wide poll about people's view of ttc? i don't remember ever having see one

[Riflem@n]

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 44 (31 members and 13 guests)
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nope think it was that 3 phones deal from Bell.

[d_jedi]

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 44 (31 members and 13 guests)
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I think that would have been set by the Pepsi iPod promo last year..

[d_jedi]

Moscoe said the wage offer was 2.7 per cent in the first year, 3 per cent in the second year, 3.5 per cent in the third year and the fourth year remained to be negotiated."


Greedy b*stards!

[thelefteyeguy]

even the dell deals (esp the ex-hd) had more ppl on the thread (hehe lots of guest)

[thelefteyeguy]

does anyone know of a city wide poll about people's view of ttc? i don't remember ever having see one


Guarantee that 100% of the pollers would think the union is greedy...no point in the poll.

[Roninvancouver]

Greedy b*stards!

let it out jedi, tell us how you really feel.

:lol:

here's a totally unrelated picture to break up the unhappy thread here...

http://img32.exs.cx/img32/7417/yeehawranchersoren.jpg

[nkn1983]

Damn it, I'll have to walk to school (40 min at least), why couldn't they wait 1 more week, when all the final exams are over? This is the biggest ******** ever.

[thelefteyeguy]

let it out jedi, tell us how you really feel.

:lol:

here's a totally unrelated picture to break up the unhappy thread here...

http://img32.exs.cx/img32/7417/yeehawranchersoren.jpg


:confused: PS?

[Digiital]

Could be worse. They could have gone on strike effective this afternoon. Then that would REALY screw everyone up, trying to figure out how to get home.

Oh and it could be -30c again :)

[chopstickhero]

they are not complaining of low ridership....they are complaining of no funding....

well, that's why they are asking for funding, cuz their ridership is low!

[Digiital]

Like this is a good formula. Lets hike up the price because of the shortfall $$$, it will just bring them back bigtime won't it :)



well, that's why they are asking for funding, cuz their ridership is low!

[spm24]

ttc are greedy bastards
they justify the ammount of money the government gives them and the rider fare hikes to "better our service meanwhile it goes to people who are overpaid for there jobs.

what the hell is the guy who collects tickets in the lil booth getting the same as the dude who drives. 50k for collecting tickets and they want another 3 cents.

#$%& ttc it should be considered a essential service and not be allowed to strike.

[plisk3n]

I sympathize with these guys, they've been f*ck'ed over too many times by the goverment with false promises of new money and stuff. Just look at the aging TTC streetcars and buses. Some of those buses and streetcars have been running 5-10 years past what they're supposed to be. I'm a firm supporter of public transport and anything else that has a less impact on the environment itself.

I myself have been biking it into work for the last 2 weeks now, so this doesn't have a real impact on my commute. :)

[spm24]

that is not the point if police wanted a tax hike do u think all the police could just strike and get exactly what they want. police is a essential service that our city needs to function just like the ttc

ttc should be considered a essential service. it moves more then 1.2 million people a day . when combined with go transit and york regional the number is much higher then that . GTA has a population of about 4.7 million people , ttc moves 1.2 million of these people a day . i see that its almost as important as other essential services our city has.

i mean come monday that 1.2 million regular riders will have to find another mode of transportation. all metro pass holders dont get a refund on the days missed , deticated riders who choose to commute now have there primary mode of transportation gone.

how fair is this

[thelefteyeguy]

I sympathize with these guys, they've been f*ck'ed over too many times by the goverment with false promises of new money and stuff. Just look at the aging TTC streetcars and buses. Some of those buses and streetcars have been running 5-10 years past what they're supposed to be. I'm a firm supporter of public transport and anything else that has a less impact on the environment itself.

I myself have been biking it into work for the last 2 weeks now, so this doesn't have a real impact on my commute. :)


you'll have to share the road with lots of angry drivers and bikers on monday if there is a strke =)

[kingsley]

Unions are teh lame.

They should outlaw strikes and unions because they are a detriment to society. If you don't like your job then quit. If you can't find a job then go to school. Don't make other people pay for your own laziness and ineptitude.

[B40]

Unions are teh lame.

They should outlaw strikes and unions because they are a detriment to society. If you don't like your job then quit. If you can't find a job then go to school. Don't make other people pay for your own laziness and ineptitude.

This thread is going to get nasty.

[guest10586]

Unions are teh lame.

They should outlaw strikes and unions because they are a detriment to society. If you don't like your job then quit. If you can't find a job then go to school. Don't make other people pay for your own laziness and ineptitude.

Like I said don't expect people to go to work just cause they want to see you. People can strike or protest however they like, in a group or alone. Only a moron would stand alone however. I worked 2 jobs in management if you are wondering but I have no problems with unions if you are wondering.

[d_jedi]

Let's have some wisdom, courtesy of Homer Simpson:

"If you don't like your job, you don't strike. You go in every day and do it really half-assed (ed: which the TTC workers seem to be taking to heart already!). That's the American Way!"

[guest10586]

Let's have some wisdom, courtesy of Homer Simpson:

"If you don't like your job, you don't strike. You go in every day and do it really half-assed (ed: which the TTC workers seem to be taking to heart already!). That's the American Way!"

Actually, you can go to work not liking your job and do a half assed job. That's not the case here, some of them might like the job but they don't feel that the amount the employer pays them constitutes the work.

[d_jedi]

Actually, you can go to work not liking your job and do a half assed job. That's not the case here, some of them might like the job but they don't feel that the amount the employer pays them constitutes the work.
I seriously hope that's a joke. TTC workers are already overpaid.. I mean, how much skill does it take to drive a freaking bus? They already make significantly more $$ than any of the other transit employees in Ontario.

[WorldIRC]

that is not the point if police wanted a tax hike do u think all the police could just strike and get exactly what they want. police is a essential service that our city needs to function just like the ttc

ttc should be considered a essential service. it moves more then 1.2 million people a day . when combined with go transit and york regional the number is much higher then that . GTA has a population of about 4.7 million people , ttc moves 1.2 million of these people a day . i see that its almost as important as other essential services our city has.

i mean come monday that 1.2 million regular riders will have to find another mode of transportation. all metro pass holders dont get a refund on the days missed , deticated riders who choose to commute now have there primary mode of transportation gone.

how fair is this

GTA Actually has closer to 5.7 million people :)

[plisk3n]

you'll have to share the road with lots of angry drivers and bikers on monday if there is a strke =)

Yeah that's true, but I can weave around the cars like there's no tomorrow anyways. :)

I'm totally expect the usual post where I lock at my bike to be full. That's going to suck!

[B40]

I seriously hope that's a joke. TTC workers are already overpaid.. I mean, how much skill does it take to drive a freaking bus? They already make significantly more $$ than any of the other transit employees in Ontario.

Lots of skill. You need a different license. And you have to deal with rude people all day...

[d_jedi]

Lots of skill. You need a different license. And you have to deal with rude people all day...
How long does it take to learn enough to get that license? A few months, tops?
And since when do TTC drivers have good customer service skills?

[B40]

How long does it take to learn enough to get that license? A few months, tops?
And since when do TTC drivers have good customer service skills?

I've never come across a rude TTC driver. If you have, it might be a reflection on yourself...

I'd like to see you be a TTC driver for a year, I'm sure you'll be complaining in no time. So easy to judge others without even knowing half the story...

[guest10586]

I seriously hope that's a joke. TTC workers are already overpaid.. I mean, how much skill does it take to drive a freaking bus? They already make significantly more $$ than any of the other transit employees in Ontario.


How much do they get paid?

[Faeton]

I sympathize with these guys, they've been f*ck'ed over too many times by the goverment with false promises of new money and stuff. Just look at the aging TTC streetcars and buses. Some of those buses and streetcars have been running 5-10 years past what they're supposed to be. I'm a firm supporter of public transport and anything else that has a less impact on the environment itself.


Oooh, don't get me started on streetcars.

Where to begin....
A) they cost a lot. Like 1 million each. Why? Because NO other city uses the streetcars we do. We're the ONLY city that buys them like they are. The gauge isn't even standard! Even streetcars in general are a rarity in North America (Boston and Philly come to mind)
B) They take up 2 lanes. It's hard to pass a streetcar, since at each stop you cannot pass it unless there's an island purposefully built for it. That's just more real-estate and development.
C) They're high-up, so elderly, childern and handicap people have a hard time using them
D) They're uni-directional, so they HAVE to have a loop to turn around
E) If one breaks down on a track, ALL the other streetcars behind them are stuck. Not only that, traffic is really backed up too.
F) Unseemly overhead wires.
G) Tracks are a hazard to bikes, rollerblades and other pedestrians. They even mess up braking distances for cars (steel is slippery when wet)
H) a whole infrastruction devoted to them, when they can easily be replaced by buses, which are a lot more flexible.
I) Very noisy on turns.

This is just some of the peeves I have about streetcars. Grr.

Sorry, OT a bit

[guest10586]

I've never come across a rude TTC driver. If you have, it might be a reflection on yourself...

I'd like to see you be a TTC driver for a year, I'm sure you'll be complaining in no time. So easy to judge others without even knowing half the story...


I feel sorry for the drivers who drive school specials in my city... It would drive me nuts.

[kingsley]

How much do they get paid?

$18 to $24 an hour

[d_jedi]

How much do they get paid?
I hear 50K per year.. not sure if that's the average/min.

[B40]

$18 to $24 an hour

What's the industry avg. d_jedi says they are overpaid compared to other "transit employees in Ontario"

[guest10586]

I hear 50K per year.. not sure if that's the average/min.

That does seem like a lot. I doubt that is what they get starting though. Maybe after a few years. Do they work 8 hour days?

[B40]

I hear 50K per year.. not sure if that's the average/min.

How are you arguing they are overpaid when you don't know how much they're paid, nor the industry average?

[confused]

I hear 50K per year.. not sure if that's the average/min.

seems fair for bus drivers, they take a s hitload of heat and stress

subway drivers and coin takers on other hand ....

[guest10586]

$18 to $24 an hour

I doubt $18 is the low end. It would probably be less. What is your source?

[Faeton]

Lots of skill. You need a different license. And you have to deal with rude people all day...

Not a lot of skill at all. You need a C license (which is actually lower than a B license, to drive a school bus) and a Z-airbrake endorsement. Nothing tricky at all.

And I bet the people at McD's deal with a lot of rude people all day.

Friend's dad makes up to $90k w/ a lot of overtime @ the TTC. He's been there all his life though.

[NeilMcduck]

I don't think this thread should become a personal stab at TTC drivers, but rather at their company and union...Although the TTC does more than it's share of bad seeds...

This strike is more a sign of the poor jobs that both the company and the union are doing. Both organizations are being mis-managed to the point where the only way to get a resolution is for one side to clamp down like a spoiled child.

I think, had the TTC locked out the employees, there would have been a much larger public outcry...but since it was the unions decision, and that's what unions do, it's going to come off as more acceptable--which is ridiculous.

As a few people have said, public transit is an essential service in this city and as the public relying on this service, we should not be used as leverage because neither side knows how to bargain or compromise.

[B40]

That does seem like a lot. I doubt that is what they get starting though. Maybe after a few years. Do they work 8 hour days?

I doubt 50k is starting too. Maybe after 20 years of seniority and experience when they are trained in multiple areas and can fill in for multiple routes.

[kingsley]

Like I said don't expect people to go to work just cause they want to see you. People can strike or protest however they like, in a group or alone. Only a moron would stand alone however. I worked 2 jobs in management if you are wondering but I have no problems with unions if you are wondering.

I have no idea how what you're saying has anything to do with what I was saying.

People go to jobs for money. If they don't like their jobs then they should quit.

[kingsley]

I doubt $18 is the low end. It would probably be less. What is your source?

Newspaper article. Either from the Star or from the Metero.

[B40]

Newspaper article. Either from the Star or from the Metero.

$18 to 24?

@ 40 hours a week that's $37,440 - 49,920

Doesn't seem like they're overpaid to me.

[confused]

$18 to 24?

@ 40 hours a week that's $37,440 - 49,920

Doesn't seem like they're overpaid to me.

exactly

[danfromwaterloo]

I doubt 50k is starting too. Maybe after 20 years of seniority and experience when they are trained in multiple areas and can fill in for multiple routes.

From what I've heard from various sources, starting pay is 40K, and within 3 years, they're up to 55K...that's NOT including OT, AND they get pension. Lets not forget that.

Lets do some quick calculations. Usual pension gives you 55% of your earnings in your last year of work. Lets crop that down to 50 (just for math simplicity). Lets also assume that the average drain on your pension is 16 years (you die at 81...reasonable). That's 8 full years of pension you've received. If you started work at 25 years old, and finished at 65, you're basically getting 48 years of work, for 40. Quick math says that's 20% profit! So, for all us other schmoes out there who don't have a pension to rely on, a 50K Unionized worker is actually earning 60K a year.

That riles me up even more...those TTC employees that are making 55K after three years are actually earning about 66K!!!!

Didn't our university educations entitle us to jobs that would be BETTER than just skipping and getting jobs like this??

[kingsley]

$18 to 24?

@ 40 hours a week that's $37,440 - 49,920

Doesn't seem like they're overpaid to me.

For driving a freaking bus? And sometimes they don't even drive the busses. Sometimes they just sell tickets.

I'm going to be extremly lucky if I can get 37k once I get out of school.

[B40]

I'm going to be extremly lucky if I can get 37k once I get out of school.

Why go to school then? Just become a TTC driver :lol:

[B40]

From what I've heard from various sources, starting pay is 40K, and within 3 years, they're up to 55K...that's NOT including OT, AND they get pension. Lets not forget that.


40k starting seems about right...

55k within 3 years? I don't believe that...source?

[kingsley]

You see, the thing that pisses most people off is the fact that TTC workers can make more money than a person with a univeristy education. And the thing is, TTC employees can get instant raises by holding the city hostage by going on a strike.

[sleepyguy]

I know a few TTC subway/bus drivers... says it's the damn easiest friggin job in the world... do nothing a get decent pay. Definately AGAINST the union on this one. I beleive my friend said he started at 45K + OT. That's above the salary of average university graduates in the first year.

[B40]

http://www.tc.gc.ca/pol/en/Report/anre1999/graphics/chap07/99t07e19.GIF

Average intercity bus driver salary was only $32.7k in 1998....actually went down from the previous years....

[danfromwaterloo]

http://www.tc.gc.ca/pol/en/Report/anre1999/graphics/chap07/99t07e19.GIF

Average intercity bus driver salary was only $32.7k in 1998....actually went down from the previous years....

FYI...TTC is Urban Transit.

[kingsley]

http://www.tc.gc.ca/pol/en/Report/anre1999/graphics/chap07/99t07e19.GIF

Average intercity bus driver salary was only $32.7k in 1998....actually went down from the previous years....

Unfortunately that is 7 year old data. It also missed the year 1999 where the TTC actually had a strike. Their employees must have been able to line their pockets well after that incident.

[kingsley]

FYI...TTC is Urban Transit.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[Faeton]

$18 to 24?

@ 40 hours a week that's $37,440 - 49,920

Doesn't seem like they're overpaid to me.

From April 1, 2004, the wages of a ticket collector are
— Start $18.31
— After 4 months 19.51
— After 8 months 20.71
— After 1 year 24.32

Effective: April 1, 2004
Wage After After After
Group Start 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years
1 $15.87 $16.47 $17.83 $20.59
2 $16.23 16.94 18.28 20.99
3 $16.52 17.58 18.89 21.54
4 $16.92 18.08 19.37 21.95
5 $17.65 19.07 20.37 22.96
6 (See separate schedule for Operator, Collector, Subway
Supplier, Divisional Clerk, Wheel-Trans and Revenue
Operations rates)
7 $18.89 20.84 22.11 24.64
8 $20.38 22.61 23.92 26.48
9 $21.01 23.50 24.76 27.26
10 $21.62 24.38 25.61 28.06
11 $22.18 25.25 26.44 28.78
12 $22.77 26.17 27.31 29.57
13 $23.38 27.12 28.20 30.37

This is for most bus drivers I believe.

I'm not sure how the progession is, but top-step, after 15 year is pretty much $30.37/h. Don't forget to add their shift bonuses, holidays and stuff like that (usually about 10-15%). So, $35/H isn't too shabby. Throw in some overtime (1.5x for the first 4 hours, 2x for the rest) and you can be getting some pretty good income.

[asim99]

I've never come across a rude TTC driver. If you have, it might be a reflection on yourself...

I'd like to see you be a TTC driver for a year, I'm sure you'll be complaining in no time. So easy to judge others without even knowing half the story...

actually i agree with this
though, i have see some rude people at the ticket counter

[NeilMcduck]

here's the TTC's info on wages

http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/jobopps_operators.htm

so $18.36 to $24.32 after 3 years

plus an awesome benefits and pension plan...not too shabby...

[guest10586]

http://www.tc.gc.ca/pol/en/Report/anre1999/graphics/chap07/99t07e19.GIF

Average intercity bus driver salary was only $32.7k in 1998....actually went down from the previous years....


Don't be a hater if they didn't go to school and you did. Another huge thing about them is that they cap really fast.

Personally if they told me management doesn't get paid for OT then I would have reconsidered going to university...

[NeilMcduck]

oh and overtime too..so $80k a year is not an unreasonable amount for them to be making.

[Faeton]

Didn't our university educations entitle us to jobs that would be BETTER than just skipping and getting jobs like this??

University doesn't entitle you to anything except for a fancy (and expensive)piece of paper. The university sells itself on higher-learning and (supposedly), higher-pay. Which might be true on average. But then again, no one said life was fair....

[danfromwaterloo]

Taken directly from the TTC website:

Pay and Benefits:

The TTC offers competitive wages and benefits including: Healthcare and Dental plans, Group Life Insurance and a Pension Plan. As per the Local 113 ATU Collective Agreement, the hourly wage rate for this opportunity is $18.36 (rate after training) to $24.32 (rate after 3 years).

Now, assuming a 40-hour work week each week (because the TTC always runs):

52 weeks * 40 hours = 2080 hours * $18.36 (start) = $38188.80
After three years = 2080 hours * $24.32 = $50585.60

That's 50.5K after three years. We were all a bunch of goddamn suckers going to university. If I worked for the TTC, I'd be a millionaire by now!

[danfromwaterloo]

Don't be a hater if they didn't go to school and you did. Another huge thing about them is that they cap really fast.

Personally if they told me management doesn't get paid for OT then I would have reconsidered going to university...

So they cap. I'd be happy with a 60K a year job for the rest of my life. I know that sounds unmotivated and bad, but seriously, 60K is a decent salary for living on. And its only bound to go up...

[danfromwaterloo]

University doesn't entitle you to anything except for a fancy (and expensive)piece of paper. The university sells itself on higher-learning and (supposedly), higher-pay. Which might be true on average. But then again, no one said life was fair....

I guess I misspoke when I said "entitled"...but where's the incentive for going to university when jobs like this pay you more?

I'm university educated and I'm actually considering becoming a subway operator....does this seem BACKWARDS to anybody else?

[B40]

So they cap. I'd be happy with a 60K a year job for the rest of my life. I know that sounds unmotivated and bad, but seriously, 60K is a decent salary for living on. And its only bound to go up...

60k a year before taxes is crap. I would not be happy with 60k a year for the rest of my life.

[sk8]

60k a year before taxes is crap. I would not be happy with 60k a year for the rest of my life.


If I was only a highschool graduate, I would be.

[B40]

So they cap. I'd be happy with a 60K a year job for the rest of my life. I know that sounds unmotivated and bad, but seriously, 60K is a decent salary for living on. And its only bound to go up...

Don't forget about inflation too...

[GateGuardian]

ohh crap, my school is still open on monday. I've only took the GO Train like once, and that was when I was .....3yrs old.....

yaaayy I whole new experience...... make me feel like a virgin.... LOL :D :D

[Faeton]

I guess I misspoke when I said "entitled"...but where's the incentive for going to university when jobs like this pay you more?

I'm university educated and I'm actually considering becoming a subway operator....does this seem BACKWARDS to anybody else?

Actually, don't consider becoming a subway operator. Instead, be a nuclear operator! Trust me, it's a lot, lot more lucrative. There's a huge sum of money to be made in the power industry (because hey, everybody needs it).

Check out www.opg.com for job postings for nuclear operators =)

[Faeton]

ohh crap, my school is still open on monday. I've only took the GO Train like once, and that was when I was .....3yrs old.....

yaaayy I whole new experience...... make me feel like a virgin.... LOL :D :D

You'll like it a lot more. GO Trains come on time, don't smell, aren't crowded, better scenery and faster. Just hope you don't have to walk too far from the GO Station.

[GateGuardian]

well I have to walk from Union to Yonge and Dundas (Ryerson)..... and after class I have to take the GO bus instead of train because I don't think I'll wait 4hrs for the train.... the prob. is prob. walking home from Agincourt Mall to Finch and McCowan

[nano]

I went for a job interview with the TTC in the winter of 99. Part of the hiring process is actually going out (on the buses trains and streetcars) and interviewing TTC operators. They have to deal with some of the worst crap ever. Think about it

You got to deal with grumpy customers
Traffic not letting you merge getting cut off
Weather
The cold draft from the door open/ closing for hours a day
They get robbed all the time
Assaulted kicked spat on swore at
Dealing with ppl that simply don’t understand what move to the back of the bus please means
Those ppl that jam the door on the subway and delay everything


I know it all sucks to have to change travel plans but TTC operators deserve a pay hike like everyone else. Maybe I don’t have strong feelings against the strike because my dad had to go on strike (he worked for the railway) when he was working but its part of life unions are there to "protect" workers rights. Maybe if the city councillors weren't getting paid over 100K to sit on their butts we wouldn’t be in this situation

[cnbc]

http://img32.exs.cx/img32/952/dsc004280tl.jpg
Got it at work on Wednesday. The corner of Yonge and Davisville (TTC's headquater) is gonna be full of picketeers on Monday. I will need it to cross picket lines. Hopefully, there won't be pushing and shoving.
I will be biking to work (5 km), bringing my digicam to get a couple riot shots :-0 .
All you RFDers who are not happy with the union should go there and protest. That is more effective than taking a crap on TTC property (i.e. danfromwaterloo). :D

Personally, I am quite satisfied with TTC service. There aren't much to complain about, except delays are quite often on the Yonge subway line during rush hour. Almost every week between 8am-9am, a train would stop for up to a minutes between Eglinton and Yonge.

Have fun on Monday, whether you are walking, biking, driving (hehe, better fill up your tank first). Oh, yeah. If you are lucky enough to stay home, go find some deals.

[cheukiecfu]

great...
monday.. i have to bike to work!!!!
6km...

[akito925]

time to jack up more prices.. I wonder how much parking gonna cost downtown??

some are $20-$25 parking lol. plus gas ontop.

lets go rent a bust and car pool.
lol.

[felixdd]

I went for a job interview with the TTC in the winter of 99. Part of the hiring process is actually going out (on the buses trains and streetcars) and interviewing TTC operators. They have to deal with some of the worst crap ever. Think about it

You got to deal with grumpy customers
Traffic not letting you merge getting cut off
Weather
The cold draft from the door open/ closing for hours a day
They get robbed all the time
Assaulted kicked spat on swore at
Dealing with ppl that simply don’t understand what move to the back of the bus please means
Those ppl that jam the door on the subway and delay everything


I know it all sucks to have to change travel plans but TTC operators deserve a pay hike like everyone else. Maybe I don’t have strong feelings against the strike because my dad had to go on strike (he worked for the railway) when he was working but its part of life unions are there to "protect" workers rights. Maybe if the city councillors weren't getting paid over 100K to sit on their butts we wouldn’t be in this situation

I would sympathize if and only if the drivers were underpaid to put up with that crap.

But they're not. IMHO they're overpaid.

They're not striking because they're not getting enough money. They're striking because they're not getting a big enough raise. The "rising living expenses" stuff is crap -- with $50K starting, they should be able to live more than comfortably. And that's not including OT and pension.

No offense to bus drivers, but they really should re-assess their position and the requirements for their jobs. Not a lot of credentials and education are needed; so basically anyone can become an employee. For an employee who's not all that hard to find out there, they're already getting phenomenal pay.

[eelfliw]

Yipee!!!!

I hope the TTC goes on strike for 6 months and the government opens up competition for the transit service.

[kingsley]

Yipee!!!!

I hope the TTC goes on strike for 6 months and the government opens up competition for the transit service.

Yeah...but do it after April please 'cause I have exams and I don't need the extra hassle :D

[aquariaguy]

Thank goodness i live across the road from UW.

I think some rich dude has to open a bus company to transport people from uptown to downtown for cheap!!

[urameatball]

Thank goodness i live across the road from UW.

I think some rich dude has to open a bus company to transport people from uptown to downtown for cheap!!
haha, I was just thinking of investing a couple million dollars (borrowed of course) on a few bus routes at $1.50 rates. Then showing the city I could make huge profits even WITHOUT government assistance... Offer to buy out the TTC and totally become the next billionaire.

[squall458]

but TTC still works this weekend right??

[dabble boy]

Watch the gas prices soar on Monday as well........coincidentally of course ;-)

[asim99]

but TTC still works this weekend right??

yes, it should be alright over the weekend

[Headhunter]

Damn, can't pick up my paycheck until Tuesday...ah well.

Watch the gas prices soar on Monday as well........coincidentally of course ;-)
OF COURSE!

[gostinger]

A bus driver can make upwards to $90k if s/he works a lot of OT and odd shifts. This is on top of good benefits, job security, etc etc.

Of course, they won't have a life working all that OT, but $90k is a good amount of money (though honestly not going to make one "rich") for a low-skill/low-education job. All my teacher friends get pissed about all the money they spent on school, only to come up on the massively short end of the stick.
90K hmmm not likely due to labour laws 50-60k max . Believe me money isn't the only issue here , it's a wake up call to all levels of government to take a look at the funding of public transit. Toronto has one of the lowest subsidies and for such a large metropolitan city it should be funded at a larger rate which would mean lower fares. Like usual the front line workers will take the brunt of the strike decision just like the increases in fares.Dig deeper into TTC management and you will discover the fat cat salaries being paid to the chairman of TTC as well as Supervisors and all the other management salaries.Also, the media are also being used by the company and politicians as pawns to spread false info to the public to make the union and its workers look like the evil ones.As for benefits ...... it isn't all what it seems...

[Futuristic_Eel]

How come the majority of you guys are blaming the bus drivers? They have little impact on the union's verdict to wage a strike. I think the TTC drivers deserve their current income, if not more. Everyone is entitled to live comfortably and since the TTC is a profitable service relying on the participation of all, why not distribute the wealth?

[UrbanPoet]

How come the majority of you guys are blaming the bus drivers? They have little impact on the union's verdict to wage a strike. I think the TTC drivers deserve their current income, if not more. Everyone is entitled to live comfortably and since the TTC is a profitable service relying on the participation of all, why not distribute the wealth?

I dont think the TTC is profitable. It should non-profit! because transportation is something that ppl need in order to get to work and sustain LIFE! AAHH!! :cry:

[blexann]

I really hate unions.

Remember many years ago in the US - the air traffic controlers went on strike and the government stepped in and 'fired' them all.

We need someone with balls in this government that will step in and take action.

I myself dont give a shet - i take GO - and so what if everything will be a little slower Monday am - everyone will adjust - life will go on.

to hell with the friggin TTC - one of the worst (if not the worst) public systems in the world!!

[eelfliw]

How come the majority of you guys are blaming the bus drivers? They have little impact on the union's verdict to wage a strike. I think the TTC drivers deserve their current income, if not more. Everyone is entitled to live comfortably and since the TTC is a profitable service relying on the participation of all, why not distribute the wealth?
The TTC union cannot arbitrarily decide to strike without a mandate from its membership. Usually, that takes the form of a vote by the membership.

Also, the TTC is not a profitable service. It receives millions of dollars of aid/grant from the government to stay operational.

[felixdd]

90K hmmm not likely due to labour laws 50-60k max . Believe me money isn't the only issue here , it's a wake up call to all levels of government to take a look at the funding of public transit. Toronto has one of the lowest subsidies and for such a large metropolitan city it should be funded at a larger rate which would mean lower fares. Like usual the front line workers will take the brunt of the strike decision just like the increases in fares.Dig deeper into TTC management and you will discover the fat cat salaries being paid to the chairman of TTC as well as Supervisors and all the other management salaries.Also, the media are also being used by the company and politicians as pawns to spread false info to the public to make the union and its workers look like the evil ones.As for benefits ...... it isn't all what it seems...

How is it a wake up call for the government? If anything it's a wake up call for them of bad management within TTC. To my knowledge, TTC union workers talk to the TTC chairs, who have to ask the province for money. This has less to do with how much the province gives than with how TTC manages its funds between its various resources. From what I've seen day-to-day, they're doing a piss-poor job of it.

[firehawk12]

Well, maybe we'll get a deal over the weekend...

[gostinger]

How is it a wake up call for the government? If anything it's a wake up call for them of bad management within TTC. To my knowledge, TTC union workers talk to the TTC chairs, who have to ask the province for money. This has less to do with how much the province gives than with how TTC manages its funds between its various resources. From what I've seen day-to-day, they're doing a piss-poor job of it.


Again blaming the union......they have little say in the operation of the system

[Homer88]

The TTC union cannot arbitrarily decide to strike without a mandate from its membership. Usually, that takes the form of a vote by the membership.

Also, the TTC is not a profitable service. It receives millions of dollars of aid/grant from the government to stay operational.

The TTC is not profitable because the staff are getting overpaid. The system is also ********, the transfer system sometimes can get ridiculous

[felixdd]

Again blaming the union......they have little say in the operation of the system

But they are just as much a drain on the system as the other problems are.

I don't blame the union for the deficiencies of the system; but I do feel aggravated that they are not more empathic to their situation, and instead tries to gouge even more from the system. I blame them for being greedy.

I also blame the workers not so much for having attitudes (I don't see much of that myself), but for being lazy, inconsiderate, and incompetent I've seen subway doors close when people had just started to go into the train; when the platform is still packed full of people while the train is practically empty; and then the operator tries to close the door. That shows inconsideration and incompetence (needless to say people propped the door open and after a while the operator got the idea).

Or I see laziness and incompetence when I saw a bum with a cart of trash trying to get onto a train on rush hour. The operator decides to close the door after the man goes in, but right when the cart he was pulling was only halfway inside. So now the entire train is delayed because the guy has his cart stuck half-way. In the end someone else and I yanked the door open so the cart is cleared and so the rest of the train can get on with their lives.

This is Bloor we're talking about, so for sure there are no shortage in terms of employees. If he didn't want the man into the train, why was the cart in the station in the first place? He must've passed the ticket booth, when people could have stopped him from going in (rush hour = no shopping carts). The operators could have stopped him on the platform too. But instead they choose the worst way to try to "stop" the man (and I'm sure he felt publicly humiliated).

I have many more examples...but that's what I blame when they go on strike. I see a bunch of people getting paid too much doing too little.

Sorry for my little rant :razz:

(BTW when I say "wake up call for them", I mean the government, and that the government needs to clue in and see that the TTC is being poorly managed)

[flito ray]

Here's my ttc rant:

I absolutely hate it when the ttc operator on the subway decides to say the names of stations in a funny voice. One time this guy was faking a horrible french accent. How do I know? Because he was speaking perfect canadian english up until he says "Shepherd" like a country side frenchman.

Some people found it amusing, but as a tax payer I would prefer they don't make a mockery of the system. If we're paying him 25 an hour to be funny, why not hire jerry seinfeld. At least he'd be funnier.

[KevC]

Here's my ttc rant:

I absolutely hate it when the ttc operator on the subway decides to say the names of stations in a funny voice. One time this guy was faking a horrible french accent. How do I know? Because he was speaking perfect canadian english up until he says "Shepherd" like a country side frenchman.

Some people found it amusing, but as a tax payer I would prefer they don't make a mockery of the system. If we're paying him 25 an hour to be funny, why not hire jerry seinfeld. At least he'd be funnier.

Are you sure that's just not another person? I mean it might not be the same conductor all throughout your ride. I take the TTC from finch to Bloor or Wellesly and while listening to the station annoucements there's at least one change of operator.

[GateGuardian]

The government really needs to hire some external consultant and restructure the entire TTC. Actually not just the TTC, but most government-owned jobs too

[konfusion666]

does anyone know of a city wide poll about people's view of ttc? i don't remember ever having see one

such a poll would never be published because it would show the overwhelming LACK of support for the TTC from the public.

are you blind or something? anecdotal evidence from the huge number of Toronto residents who post on RFD is sufficient to prove that nobody likes the TTC, except for you and your handful of NDP loyalists.

hell, most of the Left-Liberals on this board are on-board the TTC-Hate Train too. case in point would be "Daninwaterloo" who is without a doubt the most pro-gay-rights person on this board.

Also, nice to see one of the RFD mods hates the TTC too. it means our cause has more moral legitimacy than yours. :D

[felixdd]

case in point would be "Daninwaterloo" who is without a doubt the most pro-gay-rights person on this board.

Quite a reputation you got for yourself dan :razz:. Although I myself found asim99 to be moresoi than dan.
That's not to say I'm not pro-gay as well...I'm just less vocal about it (and about a lot of other things as well).

[rb]

They should allow private bus operators in all major Cdn Cities to give riders a choice and hopefully a break in fairs, its done in the UK and when I was using bus service in my home town (Leicester) it was great, never had to wait more then 5-10 mins for a bus and there wasn't a strike for as long as I can remember.

[neilson]

are you *cough* alluding to degenerate syndrome *cough*! :D
(just kidding, d_jedi)

Gurr;........I'm still not gonna say anything on the political/union stuff, except that I hope the strike is short and would be a PITA for you guys too long.

[neilson]

such a poll would never be published because it would show the overwhelming LACK of support for the TTC from the public.

are you blind or something? anecdotal evidence from the huge number of Toronto residents who post on RFD is sufficient to prove that nobody likes the TTC, except for you and your handful of NDP loyalists.

hell, most of the Left-Liberals on this board are on-board the TTC-Hate Train too. case in point would be "Daninwaterloo" who is without a doubt the most pro-gay-rights person on this board.

Also, nice to see one of the RFD mods hates the TTC too. it means our cause has more moral legitimacy than yours. :D

..............................................

[GateGuardian]

well if this thing turns into a total chaos, maybe the government will smarten up.

[OceanDrop]

anyone know if there's a bike path that connects scarborough to downtown?? i thought one existed, but i've never seen it before

i think i'm rollerblading or biking to UofT from Markham & Eglinton....joy!! :cry:

[bigwill]

anyone know if there's a bike path that connects scarborough to downtown?? i thought one existed, but i've never seen it before

i think i'm rollerblading or biking to UofT from Markham & Eglinton....joy!! :cry:

thats a good idea, i might have to do that as well. i know theres a path that goes along the don valley. but i have no idea where it starts. bump for the answer to this question

[express.items]

how long is the strike going to be? how long were they before? :(

check this out http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/map/cyclingmap.htm

[Jazzhound]

guess Maestro Fresh Wes is out of a job...temporarily. lol
yeah...i heard he's a part time TTC bus driver now. haha


Really? Heard from whom?

That's a pretty tough fall from grace, if you ask me.

[bigwill]

Really? Heard from whom?

That's a pretty tough fall from grace, if you ask me.

i think hes joking, maestro has a part on the TVshow Metropia on the Omni network

[GateGuardian]

I guess I'll have to be on RFD twice as much looking for hot deals to save money since I'm paying twice as much on the GO now....

any hot deals on GO TRANSIT??? LOL

[sk8]

So who is in for Red Flag Bus Service :twisted:

[urameatball]

So who is in for Red Flag Bus Service :twisted:
yah right... everyone will be haggling the bus driver for cheaper fares.

[cnbc]

any hot deals on GO TRANSIT??? LOL
You could try price match GO fare with TTC's. I thinks it's on GO's competitor list. The only problem is that GO could reject the pm because TTC is OOS (OUt Of Service) right now.

[bunnyfoo]

anyone know if there's a bike path that connects scarborough to downtown?? i thought one existed, but i've never seen it before

i think i'm rollerblading or biking to UofT from Markham & Eglinton....joy!! :cry:

I'm not sure from Scarborough but you can enter the bike trail that runs alongside the DVP from the Edwards Garden parking lot (Leslie/Lawrence).

[kingsley]

yah right... everyone will be haggling the bus driver for cheaper fares.

:lol: :lol:

[torontonian]

http://www.pulse24.com/News/Top_Story/20050409-004/page.asp

"In the last 20 years there have been eight T.T.C. strikes and work-to-rule campaigns."

hmmm am I reading this correctly? That's a bit too much complain from TTC employees I would say.

[OceanDrop]

thanks for the help with the trails... i think i'll rollerblade to the GO station, cram myself onto a train, and rollerblade from union. at least the weather is nice (i hope i didn't just jinx it...)

[felixdd]

http://www.pulse24.com/News/Top_Story/20050409-004/page.asp
I have to emphasize that wages are an important issue. There are strong indications that the cost of living will be going up in the near future because of recent large increases in energy prices. But our negotiations are about more than wages. They are also about the respect, dignity and quality of family life that our members, like all workers, are entitled to.

Our members provide a vital service to Canada's largest and economically most important city. It is unfortunate that the only time the great value of our services is recognized is when there is the possibility that they will not be there.

Where's that "BS" emoticon?

[MrDisco]

am i the only knob who can't figure out how this GO transit thing works? :(

[north77]

http://www.pulse24.com/News/Top_Story/20050409-004/page.asp


Where's that "BS" emoticon?

http://people.ambrosiasw.com/~andrew/funny/********.jpg
http://imagescommerce.bcentral.com/merchantfiles/4508723/no%20********.gif

[GateGuardian]

am i the only knob who can't figure out how this GO transit thing works? :(

hahah yeah, I was clueless about the GO transit thing too, but after studying their schedule on their website for like 30mins, I think I'll get the hang of it. I hope their automated machines work so I won't be stuck in line.

Can you imagine if every that took the subway had to take the the GO, it'll be impossible to fit everyone in. I mean they only have 4 trains in the morning.

And the fact that not all the doors open at each station is actually a pretty cool concept.....

[sk8]

If I have to walk to school tomorrow, i'll have no sympathy left for ttc workers. Its like someone puts a gun on my head and demands all the money from my parents. only crooks and robbers do that, its just wrong. putting the public on "gun point" and giving insentives is not the right way... fk em

[sojiro]

680 news reported there will be no transit strike, they reached an agreement.

[mtevie]

No transit strike tomorrow
Apr. 10, 2005. 05:56 PM


The TTC and its union have reached a tentative deal and averted a transit strike that threatened to bring the city to a standstill tomorrow morning. The agreement was arrived at this afternoon after talks resumed this morning at the request of a provincial mediator

[GateGuardian]

awww as much as I'm happy to take the TTC on Monday, I was so looking forward to taking the GO as an excuse... :S

[mtevel]

No transit strike tomorrow
Apr. 10, 2005. 05:56 PM


The TTC and its union have reached a tentative deal and averted a transit strike that threatened to bring the city to a standstill tomorrow morning. The agreement was arrived at this afternoon after talks resumed this morning at the request of a provincial mediator

any link ? source ? thx

[emptypocket]

any link ? source ? thx

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050410.wttcee04102/BNStory/National/

[tkl]

any link ? source ? thx

http://www.pulse24.com/News/Top_Story/20050410-001/page.asp

The red rocket will roll Monday morning.

After last-ditch talks that lasted most of the day Sunday Bob Kinnear, the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, said a tentative agreement had been reached with the T.T.C.

The deal has stopped a strike that would’ve crippled the city.

“I want to announce to the people of Toronto that there will be full T.T.C. service tomorrow morning,� he said Sunday. “We have reached a tentative settlement with the commission that our executive board will be recommending to our members.�

Kinnear said the breakthroughs were non-monetary matters such as scheduling issues, a shortfall in the pension plan and contracting out work.

“The commission has responded to our deep concerns about sudden changes in work schedules that disrupt family life,� the union chief explained. “The commission has agreed to work with us towards regulatory schedules so our members can plan their lives from day-to-day.�

The union will hold a membership meeting on Tuesday to go over the details of the agreement and members will take a vote on Thursday.

April 10, 2005

[Headhunter]

Damn it, why? Every time they strike, it's a chance for the city to say "We're paying you too much already; you're not getting any more". And it never happens.

Fares go up, for what? To pay for this wage increase? Unbelievable.

[guest10586]

Damn it, why? Every time they strike, it's a chance for the city to say "We're paying you too much already; you're not getting any more". And it never happens.

Fares go up, for what? To pay for this wage increase? Unbelievable.


read the article above you...it wasn't even about pay...

[UrbanPoet]

stupid f-ckers! we should resort to kicking ppl's asses if stuff like the TTC goes on strike. its just too damn important to ever be stopped :-0

[gostinger]

bring it on to me :twisted:

[Headhunter]

read the article above you...it wasn't even about pay...
If you're referring to this:

But Kinnear said Sunday’s breakthroughs were non-monetary matters, such as scheduling issues, a shortfall in the pension plan, and contracting out work.
Those end up affecting the financial compensation of TTC employees, even if it isn't directly related to their wage. The main point is:

T.T.C. workers were set to walk off the job first thing Monday morning after their union rejected a $160 million offer that included a 2.75 per cent wage increase in the first year, a three per cent hike in the second, and a 3.25 per cent raise in the third.

[bigshotceo]

stupid f-ckers! we should resort to kicking ppl's asses if stuff like the TTC goes on strike. its just too damn important to ever be stopped :-0

and just whose asses do you plan to kick?

[UrbanPoet]

and just whose asses do you plan to kick?

The Ottawa Senators!
wait.. the leafs already do that. oops! :o

[Menace]

NHLers :D

and just whose asses do you plan to kick?

[webdoctors]

dang, ridiculous, imagine life if everyone made TTC wages.

I remember working at Cineplex Odeon for $6.85.....dealing with so much crap from customers.....or those ppl who work in da food court or in retail for $10/hr. Imagine everyone making $18/hr + pension + health benefits.....woa life would be good.

Alas thats not life.... :(

avg wage before tax in Canada is still $24k/yr or $12/hr :'(

[Nhiem]

Pathetic ********. Interfere with family life my ass. If that was an issue they should be asking for money for more bus drivers, not to increase their stupid salary.