Fortunately in Brampton, we don't have to deal with militant unionized garbage workers. Our garbage is contracted out like many cities in Ontario.
This is my first entry on the Toronto Garbage Strike. I hope it will be my last. I don't like dwelling on subjects that are made worse by media attention.
The letter below was sent to my MPP (Member of Provincial Parliament), Linda Jeffreys. You can send her a letter too at this email address.
"I'm really getting tired of the demoralizing media reports on theToronto Garbage Strike. As a former member of a militant union
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers, I can sympathize with those
who have to negotiate with those who are willing to stay on strike "forever" on principle.
Whatever happened to mediation followed by binding arbitration? These seem to be non-existent during this labour dispute.
Against the background of no progress in collective bargaining, we are subjected day after day to the conflict over garbage dumps and its effect on residents and tourism.
The rodent and insect population which carry diseases increase daily. Toronto residents are at their wits end on what to do.
Toronto and David Miller have become the laughing stock of North America while Toronto residents are held hostage by militant CUPE militants.
If the city doesn't provide leadership on these issues, then Ontario Government must do so.
The situation is more than a health hazard. In a recessionary environment, public workers should be glad they have a good paying job with a pension. That isn't true with most Canadians.
I implore you and The Liberal Party to impose binding arbitration on the parties with back-to-work legislation. It has worked many times with CUPW. Why not CUPE?
In the last election, I voted Liberal provincially. If this strike is allowed
to continue and do more harm to Toronto, I will change my vote in the next election. I'm sure many citizens in Ontario feel the same way too.
How would you feel if a cartoonist pictured Premier Dalton McGuinty with a banana peel on his head?
Posted by qualteam
at 4:37 PM EDT
Updated: Tuesday, 21 July 2009 5:07 PM EDT
St Johns