The transit strike and Christmas
To the many citizens of Ottawa inconvenienced by the strike over Christmas I want to thank you for the hundreds of emails of support for us on this issue.
The messages you have left me are simple and direct and we will continue to work to reach a settlement that is fair and reasonable for both taxpayers and our drivers.
The vast majority of you believe that we need to settle this, but not at any cost and the majority of Council also believes that this is the right path. We also believe that many drivers also want to get back to work.
City is being flexible
Last night the City of Ottawa provided a fair and reasonable offer to the ATU executive that included a 7.25% increase over three years, more sick days, a one-time payout to offset the City having full control of the scheduling rules and we also offered more benefits for the drivers.
The union executive has decided that this was not enough. They are asking for a wage increase of 9.25 % over the next three years.
We only learned on their web site last night that they were not going to come back to the table today and that they were also going to picket at the World Juniors.
Both of these actions are disappointing and after a full week of flexible negotiations where much progress had been made, they walked away from the table for the second time.
We are now left with only a few options.
Today the City sent a letter to Labour Minister Rona Ambrose asking her to intervene and permit a supervised vote of the members on our last offer – wage increase of 7.25%, more benefits, more sick days and some flexibility to the scheduling offer.
As well the City has been in court and are seeking an injunction to limit the ATU from disrupting the World Juniors. Both of these actions are intended to minimize the disruption of the City by a union executive that is clearly not interested in getting drivers back to work. We will wait for the Minister’s response to our request and we should know the status of the injunction later today.
To all of you in the City of Ottawa I wish you a Merry Christmas and a kind and peaceful holiday season.
December 24th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
DO NOT GIVE IN THE OC TRANSPO.
They do not deserve to just get what they want by behaving like cavement.
December 24th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
The Union made their bed so let them lie in it. Picking the Xmas period was designed to put the most pressure on the city - thank goodness it didn’t work.
Alternative transportation sources based upon community spirit and participation are developing in every area to assist those most vulnerable and hurt by the strike.
We will be ready after the Xmas break.
December 24th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
If forced to vote, I will still vote NO!!! The deal is virtually the same thing. I don’t want $600 more bribe money!!!
December 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I watched you interview on CTV and when the question was asked why you walked away form the mediators recommendations in the first set of negotiations. I noticed you did not answer. How come Mr Mayor is there something your not saying here. Also asking the Federal minister to intervene and push a Union to send your offer to the memners is unrealistic and you know it. That will be at least a two week delay before your told of any decision. So I guess 4 weeks strike and your up 12 million. Not bad. Do you not care at all about the people.
December 24th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I want to thank the city for standing strong. I’ve read and read about the issues and proposed agreements and think the city has been MORE than fair to the union.
Many thanks,
Chris Carpenter
December 24th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
The year 2008 will be remembered as the year that the Transit Union stole Christmas. The contract could have been negotiated and settled months ago but they chose this time to make their customer’s lives difficult in the darkest, coldest time of year. Their loyal riders who now walk, carpool or cab it to work in the snow and wind and darkness have suffered. Also our local businesses and retailers who have seen their Christmas seasonal sales slide down to record lows have suffered. Even our local charities have seen donations reduced which causes a ripple effect for those in need. Let’s not forget our senior citizens who worked all of their lives and contributed to our community who now sit around trapped in their homes unable to visit friends and family this Christmas or even venture out for groceries because the bus was their only affordable transportation.
Christmas 2008 will be long remembered by the citizens of Ottawa who have endured this transit strike. A pay increase and the right to scheduling probably doesn’t seem very important to those of us walking to work on a bitterly cold snowy day and now you want to disrupt kids and their parents on their way to watch a hockey game at the Civic Centre! What’s next? Would you like to steal the last crumb of Who-Pudding that we serve for dinner tomorrow? Maybe we’d better block our chimneys so the transit workers can’t come down and steal our Christmas trees!
December 24th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Good luck Larry.. We’re behind you all the way..
December 24th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Larry - please DO NOT settle with the ATU - they just keep wanting more and more ! The time has long since passed where we should be PRIVATIZING our City bus service - we will get a better product at a much more competitive cost - we will all save money - except for the greedy Union and it’s members that is! DO NOT SETTLE with this bunch of drivers - and remember all they do es drive a bus for crying out loud!!!!!
December 24th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Thanks, Larry. In addition to excruciatingly sore feet, I can now look forward to draining the remainder of my savings account and maxing out my credit cards to get to and from work. Of course my plight is nothing compared to those of the poor, sick and elderly in this city. You really hit a home run today, Larry. You are one stand up guy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, sir!
December 24th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Larry, I am rather disappointed to hear you didn’t get very far in the negotiations with the ATU. As far as I can see, you really didn’t try too hard at all. The one thing holding up the strike in the first place was the booking and it was the one thing you didn’t touch or make an effort to improve, perhaps this one time when your quick tricks won’t work. You have not been totally honest, in my opinion , from the beginning of your election campaign till present time. Yes, in big business you may be able to bribe, make misleading deals and pay to get your own way and upon occasion perhaps feel like a rock star, but if you have yet to notice, you are a mayor. In the past we expected little more honesty from Politicians but as time marches on we see less honesty and a lot more public relations double talk. Why are you trying to blind the public to the fact that the city is saving bundles of money with this strike, bundles of our tax dollars that you will never return to us. Sure next year you can do the old budget thing again saying zero is zero which turns out to mean 4.9%, give yourself another 25% pay increase and tell us how hard you’ll be working for us. You lied Larry, why would anyone of sound mind believe you when you say you made a fair offer and didn’t touch on the one sticking point, a point which came about with political blessings in the first place. What good is a blessing from anyone in politics when it can be forgotten or has to be renegotiated at the whim of an uncaring Mayor.
We are not getting the service our tax dollars are paying for and we are not getting positive action from our Mayor. Get off your horse Larry, you try to tell us we’ll save millions by booking the way you’d like, you’ve already saved more that that with this strike, you say it will be better for the drivers etc. yet the union says it will increase the length of a drivers work day and not one driver was complaining about the old booking rules. Why are you so dead set to fix something that isn’t broken and appears to work as it is. If improvements can be made by all means do it. The union has a say or a hand in booking, why don’t you get their help, find out from the horse what can be done to improve things. It stands to reason that one wouldn’t expect a dog to know what’s best for a horse. Far too often I’ve seen things which look good on paper and in theory should work, but when put into practice it’s another story. AS far as I’m concerned this whole strike thing is the fault of you and the city council, you wanted it or else the booking would have been on the table at the beginning of negotiations rather than two weeks before the strike vote. You knew this would happen and you let it. Now you go to court, seeking an injunction to limit the damage of a strike you basically started. Well Larry, I won’t get on a bus driven by a scab, I won’t go to a World Juniors game, I won’t be going out for any New Years parties and next election I certainly won’t be voting for you again. Thanks for the kind holiday transit strike and Merry Christmas to you.
December 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Just noticed in the first paragraph under “City is being flexible”. The Mayor states, …’one-time payout to offset the City having full control of scheduling rules…’. Only to say further down that they, ‘sent a letter to Labour Minister Rona Ambrose…..and some flexibility to the scheduling offer.’
Question Larry, if you don’t mind, is a’ one-time payout’ being flexible or is telling the Labour Minister, some flexibility to the scheduling offer, a lie?
December 24th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Merry Christmas to all (or what ever politically correct way you chose to say it) and all the best for the new year.
December 25th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
So, you increase the bribe, increase wages, but still refuse to reduce the spead on scheduling. We dont want a 13.5 hour spread if our shifts are being put together for us. Dont offer to pay us more to work longer days, just let us rest more…thats all we want. Those are very long, unsafe days. Reduce the spread!! And stop contracting out the maintanance. The buses are unsafe, or unavailble. I miss my run many times because the busses are out at other garages. Take your bribe, take your wage increase, get rid of them. Listen to what we are asking for. All we want is saftey too.
December 25th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Mr. O’Brien: Stand fast on this issue. The Union representatives have sunk to a new low when they use those who rely the most on the city’s transportation system to blackmail yourself and councilors into caving in. Through out history it has been shown that what is right will prevail. This is the opportunity to show an unshakable stance in defending what is right for the people and particularly those who depend on public transportation for their only mobility around the City. I don’t know a lot about unions, but I was taught by my parents to always do what I think is right.
From out here in Arnprior looking in you must stand up to the Union this time around. I Know many drivers and other Citizens will support you, and if I were still a resident; I would say “Do it. Its the right thing to do”.
Douglas C. Munro
December 25th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Well Larry;
I do believe that you are trying to get a settlement. Unfortunately, it appears that the last negotiating days were spent trying to get the ATU to buy-in to your scheduling wishes. I understand that it might be a matter of $3,000,000. or more.
My expenses have gone up $150. more this month because of the strike, and it is a short month due to holidays. Is the $3million over a day or a year?
The cost to taxpayers seems to be way beyond what you say we will lose if we don’t settle with then than if we do.
Add the stressors that are involved now, and the ones which will follow after the drivers return, then we are talking about our own home made financial and intellectual crisis. People are suffering psychologically, physically and financially.
Our city is pretty insulated from the economic crisis impacting other Canadian cities, so you just have to make sure we have misery too, don’t you?
Put the scheduling demand to another table for the next three years and decide to what is right for us. Then go and work with the ATU to iron out that issue and maybe you can inject a tone of hope and healthy existence is this town that you are otherwise ruining.
December 25th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Mr. O’Brien, WHY did you state that the city had agreed to the Federal Mediator’s position of taking the scheduling issue off the table and entering into arbitration, but the union refused? This is completely and totally FALSE, and a complete fabrication according to Randy Graham (who actually sits at that table). If this position was acceptable enough for you to fabricate as the city’s position in the media, follow through then. The union stated very clearly that they would accept this position prior to enacting this strike. Were you lying, Mr. O’Brien?
December 25th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Keep up the good work, dont like the union get away with the crap and demands..horrible service and they just want more money to do less quality of a job.
December 26th, 2008 at 12:15 am
You and your puppet Alain Mercier are nothing but a joke.You say(a one-time payout to offset the City having full control of the scheduling rules)
Are you guys nuts.
You have never had our best interest at heart. And now it’s all about us. What a joke. Show us your test booking done by your staff. Better yet, why don’t we settle this by doing one of each in the next booking to see what the results would turn out to be. Are you afraid of what you might here back from staff.
The last breakdown was over the scheduling.
You have sweetened to pot with cash ( ours if I may add) and made yourself and your puppet Mercier look good. What happend to leaving this to the professionnals. Here you go blabbing on about all this again. Your a pro alright.
Still have not taken the time to address to real problem here.(SCHEDULING)
From Mr Mercier
Dear All
Re: Update on ATU 279 Strike and Negotiations
I am writing to inform you of the impasse in negotiations and the City’s decision today to request the
Minister of Labour to intervene in the dispute. As General Manager, my commitment to openness and
transparency is firm; therefore I felt it was important for you to know where we stand on the City’s final offer.
Wake up —Never addressed the issue of scheduling. (that’s the big one)
We also have a responsibility to customers and taxpayers who choose to use and fund our services.
Wake up– What you never had that before. (last 80 years)
We will be requesting a Ministerial order for a final offer vote pursuant to section 108.1(1) of the Canada
Labour Code, as there is a pressing public interest to bring the current public transit strike to an end and to
ensure each employee involved has an opportunity to see the Employer’s offer and exercise their right to
vote.
Wake up–Who do you think you guys are. You spend far 2 much time trying to push a vote and get injunctions to stop whatever it is you want to stop.
Why not spend more time getting a deal done. (There are alot of poeple hurting here) are you 2 guys hurting. Did not think so.
Why the request for a supervised vote?
Wake up — Can’t move because Larry wants what Larry wants. Full control of scheduling rules. (key word is RULES)
The parties have resolved the majority of the issues in dispute at the bargaining table. The most significant
final stumbling block has been the issue of scheduling, which is a fundamental issue for the City.
Since some of you voted on an offer dated December 2nd, the parties have continued to try to reach a
settlement at the bargaining table. As a result, significant improvements have been made to this offer
through the normal process of collective bargaining.
Wake up– What has changes in the main scheduling issue.
In fact, different offers have been tabled with your
Union since then. Each of these offers containing improvements that you have not had a chance to review.
Wake up–We have seen it all, thanks to you two.
Although the City has been requesting that the Union put its offers to a vote of all members of the
bargaining unit, the Union’s executive have repeatedly been denied these requests.
Wake up–Address the real problem and we will vote.
Do you really think that bringing this offer to vote by forcing it on the menbers, it would pass.
Or are you wanting to see the percentages.
In an effort to resolve the bargaining impasse, the parties returned to negotiations on December 20, 21, 22,
and 23. On Tuesday, December 23rd, the City tabled a last proposal for settlement to the ATU bargaining
team.
Wake up— the last proposale eh! Who forced who’s hand here.
Despite the fact that it provides improvements in a number of contentious areas, the Union has
conclusively refused this offer and has, once again, reaffirmed its position that it will not put the offer to a
vote of the membership.
Wake up– Address the real issue. Then there will be reason to vote.
This is the case notwithstanding that there have been numerous public comments
from bargaining unit members, such as those you have heard repeatedly in the media, asking for an
opportunity to vote on the City’s offer.
Wake up– unbelievable
It may be noted that these requests predate the City’s last, improved,
offer.
What is causing the impasse?
Wake up— SCHEDULING,SCHEDULING,SCHEDULING,SCHEDULING, not that hard to figure out.
I am attaching for you a synopsis of the changes in our offer to the ATU bargaining team since the last vote.
As you will see, there are significant changes in the offers and we have made various concessions
suggested by the ATU in order to resolve the scheduling issue. These include spread premiums and
changes to guarantees from 6 to 7 hours.
Wake up– What about spread times. Is it still at 13.5 hours in a day.
We have also offered to share the rewards of improved
productivity with all ATU 279 members with a dividend of $2,500 following ratification.
Wake up– So far you have saved 7 million. How nice of you. Put the boots to the staff with cash. You have never had our trust based on previous experiences. You are always ready to fry us at the first chance you get. Let’s give up the only thing we have left.
Despite these
movements, the ATU refuses to let the members vote.
The major areas of disagreement are:
• Economic increases beyond 3.25% retroactive to April 1, 2008, , 2% in April 2009 and another
2% in April 2010.. ATU is requesting 3% annually for 2009 and 2010.
Wake up— Not major at all.
On Monday, the
membership of the CUPE 5500 bargaining units ratified a Collective Agreement containing
increases similar to what we have offered.
Wake up— Please share with everyone the exact amount.
• The issue of legislated standards of hours of service, rest and days off for Operators. This is a
fundamental issue to ensure we operate a safe system for the public and our employees. We
are already regulated to equivalent standards for the O-Train but we have been excluded from
new regulations as one of three federally regulated transit organizations in Canada. You will
remember that last summer, ATU agreed to a voluntary compliance by its members pending
labour negotiations. The ATU proposal includes driving for 17 hours with 6 hours rest –
whereas legal standards are 14 hours with 8 hours rest.
• The uncertified sick leave request by the union is beyond what is applicable to the vast
majority of other employees at the City. In addition to eight (8) days of uncertified sick leave,
we have offered a new concept that currently does not apply to other City employees where
you would have the opportunity to bank up to 14 days of uncertified sick leave entitlement to
provide relief for individuals who may have extended reasons for leave in a given year. This
entitlement would not reduce your current sick leave plan of eighty-five (85) days paid at
ninety percent (90%). ATU is requesting the equivalent of fourteen (14) days annually, eight
days of uncertified sick leave plus four (4) days of special leave, which is unaffordable.
• ATU is also requesting changes in language on contracting out of maintenance work. My
commitment to employees and to the ATU has been to fill each position and to focus on our
core business – to service and maintain our bus fleet first. Industry must be there to take on
work we are not equipped to do at a competitive price. Under our proposal, all collective
agreement rights of employees continue to be maintained and we have also offered to advise
ATU of contracting plans so that we can work together in an open manner.
It is my hope that the facts bear witness to the reasonableness of the City’s position to meet the needs of its
employees, customers and taxpayers. As we enter 2009, we are faced with great challenges.
Wake up– REALLY. Tell me the Mayor 35% increase, His council 17% increase, Mr Mercier would you like to tell the people of Ottawa what you got. Change in job description and how much more cash per year.
drastic
reduction in gasoline costs may reduce public transit demand while we are trying to balance our books.
Wake up– Lower gas prices ( should that not help)
City
Council faced difficult decisions whether to invest in transit or implement funding cuts. I believe that
Council’s policy to invest in transit was based, in part, on their belief we will work together to provide a
higher quality service, become more reliable, and that we will work smarter Wake up– ( you mean much much harder and longer ) to provide more service without
excessive cost increases.
Wake up— What great quality of life that would be.
I have confidence that we will overcome this difficult period through perseverance and by remembering that
soon we will resume working as a team Wake up– ( when were we a team ,lol) What a joke this letter is.
to rebuild our reputation of excellence, value and safety. In
speaking with many of you who are on strike, I remain encouraged by the pride you have shown in our
business.Wake up— Nobody wants this stike, But we will not give in at all cost. Alain and Larry, please get to work on the sceduling issue so we can all get back to normal and work.
My regards to all employees and wish you and your families well for the holidays.
Wake up— REALLY well I’m sure.
Wake up
Original Signed by:
Alain Mercier
General Manager
Attach.
December 26th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
More than two weeks into the strike. People are adapting and using alternate means of transportation. The Christmas rush is over and the union has lost that round. The WJCs are on and people are getting to the games. Once the holidays are over, we will return to work and union executive will still be sticking ot to their own membership.
I know of people that are car pooling and will not go back to OCT once the strike has been settled. Fewer riders mean less drivers will be required. Once again, the junior drivers will get shafted.
Stay firm Mr. O’Brien. The union needs the city much more than the city needs the union.
December 27th, 2008 at 2:19 am
Mr. Mayor,
I urge you to encourage negotiators to get back to the table and drop the scheduling issue. Settle on the other issues and deal with the scheduling issue as a process - it took several months to work it out in 1999 why do you want to strike it down so quickly? Forget the signing bonus, that is hardly going to make a difference if pay increases are lower than necessary and bus drivers earn less than their counterparts in other cities.
Bus drivers have a very tough job. Have you been in a bus lately? Noticed the drunk people that have to be controlled? youths yelling or with terribly loud music? fights? Ah no, you probably drive comfortably in a car everywhere and thus you think the bus strike doesn’t have a big effect.
If Ottawa wants to encourage more bus ridership, make it easy for the workers and the riders. Those of us who do not have cars, by lack of money or choice, are struggling with this strike more than you can imagine. Why don’t you give up your car during the strike and see how you manage to get around. Perhaps that’ll give you more of an incentive to encourage negotiations.
You have already stole Christmas spirit out of this city, go towards a settlement and prove you can start things right in the new year.
Yes, I am a devoted transit rider and I support the union’s demands and their right to strike. This despite my inability to get places with two kids and NO car. Workers rights must be respected.
December 27th, 2008 at 10:37 am
just declered it essencial service….
December 27th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
From what I’ve read I have to lay the blame for this strike squarely at Larry’s feet, yes he is keeping our tax dollars, saving the city millions, all on the backs of the regular citizens who depend on the buses, the environment which could use fewer cars on the roads not to mention the air quality our children have to breath, the drivers , mechanics and their families who depend on a pay check. It was the City who refused the Federal Mediator’s position, not the unions as you like to tell us. You tell the Labour Minister that you offered some flexibility to the scheduling offer and tell us that the City wants full control. Now you want to force a vote on union members, to me and anyone who believe in democracy, this is completely unethical and an abuse of power.
According to the union’s web site, the talks were going well, a settlement was close at hand and then the City throws in this scheduling iron grinding things to a stop. You must have known before hand what you were doing, you must have wanted this strike or you would have gone along with the Federal Mediator. If you truly want to show the people of Ottawa how evil the ATU really is go back to the first offer without the scheduling added and see if they take it and hold a vote on their own without interference from the City? The longer the buses sit still, the more it’s going to cost us to get things back up and running, let’s get the buses back on the roads and the service we are paying for.
December 27th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I unfortunately suffered a serious personal setback by not being able to attend the library regularly during exams in December 2008, and my grades will reflect this hardship. Since there is no comment section on my schools official transcript to explain further, I will remember this transit strike for the rest of my life. Nevertheless, I may be dramatizing my situation slightly but here is my take on the current strike.
I firmly believe that bus transit officials are way off base with their strike tactics. These union leaders (in their willful ignorance) do not know the meaning of the word NEGOCIATION; they choose instead to act like spoiled children refusing to concede on any significant issue.
After following the debate very closely, I believe the union does not deserve what they are asking for. In light of the currrent economic (de)recession, they should be thankful they even have jobs, not demanding control over scheduling–a demand that is completely out of touch when measured against equivalent services. I do see strike action is an attempt to gain power and respect, but turning their backs on the people will have repercussions. Indeed, driving and fixing buses is a job not a position, and they should be thankful they are being offered a raise. However, these are not reasonable people. This largely uneducated group of workers have put their trust in (an are being driven on by) a bunch of fools who actually believe their demands are sound and logical. I mean the logistics required to organize scheduling preference based on senority would need a staff larger than payroll! It is time for a wake-up call. It is time for the city to act and prove it’s merit.
(Not knowing if this is legal, my solution is the following:) I believe the city council should seize control of the entire transit organization, centralize authority, call it what it is by getting approval from the feds: an essential service, cut staff by 1/2–keeping those who declare an oath of alligiance, and hire temporary staff to get a skeleton system back running in time for the new year.
I have used the city bus from Barrhaven for 4 years and the service is deteriorating with each passing year: buses not showing up, 95 buses are so full I can’t even board, etc… It has reached a point where scheduled timesheets posted on lamposts has become the equalivalent to a newspaper funny’s page. It is time for change because the service has incorporated several incompetent individuals making poor decisions. I am speaking not only from my personal experience, but by being the perfect observer–using my senses to record all that I have witnessed around me. The riders have become dishearted with the quality of service pre-strike.
Being the mayor requires tough decision. This is your opportunity to stand with the body politic and take action. Even if my ’solution’ is not legal, you know where I stand. DO not give in to these power hungry scoundrels!
December 27th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
It is important for the city to remain firm on the scheduling issue. Holding firm is in the best interest of all taxpayers from both a safety and cost perspective. Keep up the good work Larry !
December 27th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I am just wondering if Mr Mayor will be providing us with some sort of tax break for forcing all of the citizens that spent thier hard earned Christmas money on Blueline taxi’s??? Cus really why should I lose out because you cant come to an agreement-stop making it your citizens problem!Its your issue and you shuold truly be embarassed that this has gone on liek this! PATHETIC!
Great job by the way!
Thanks for embarassing Canada’s Capital!
December 27th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Larry, I was never a fan of you, but this OC transpo strike has changed my view towards you. I like your attitude of being firm and fair to the OC transpo employees.
Don’t give up and I am behind you 100%.
Two thumbs up.
December 27th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
When are we supposed to hear back from Rona Ambrose? This stuff is taking forever….it has been almost 4 days….for a yes/no question!
December 28th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Expalin to me why there has been 4 FINAL OFFERS, each one giving more and more! To me a final offer is a final offer.
Mangement and leadership can’t even get this right and there the ones in charge! What a joke.
December 28th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I keep to my initial views, the octranspo has no right to continue asking for increased wages when the rest of the country is falling into pieces. I know the Canadian government is supposed to be fair and what not…but I honestly think all the drivers and union reps should simply be fired. There are people that need jobs and can easily take their positions. I’m sorry, but driving a bus isn’t exactly a skill, so they should stop acting like it.
I repeat, fire them all, and replace them.
I know that isn’t constitutional, but something has to be done.
December 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
“This city doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem” That is the quote that swung my vote in your favour, what a fool I was. Let’s see, since you’ve been in power, the city is now on the hook for a $10 million lawsuit, the “transit plan” has mushroomed from $3.5 BILLION into a $7.5 BILLION, the dream of no tax increase was no more then an illusion …
Seems to me that you already got caught telling lies in public, how is the infamous “Larry vs Terry” court case going anyways?
I wish the good people of Ottawa would wake up and see you for what you really are, a dictator, with little or no regard for the working class, it’s the “little people” that actually make this city work, you’ve cost us dearly and inconvenienced us all.
During the OC Strike in ‘96, it was reported that it took $1 Million per day to operate OC Transpo, funny with inflation and all, now it only costs $3 Million per week (yet another lie ??)
Let’s step back and take a good look at what’s going on, the citizen’s are losing out, the retailers are losing out, and the transit workers are losing out, so who’s winning? The city is putting about $2 Million per day in the bank. I noticed that none of the other consellors have put thier faces in front of the media, that must be the difference between experience and arrogance.
Save some face Larry, end the transit strike, let the good people of Ottawa get back to thier lives, and take a long walk off a short plank …
December 28th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Why on earth is the City offering the strikers more??? Reduce the offer each time, which will enforce the notion of accepting what is being offered (which is more then fair in my mind).
December 28th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
HI,
I just read the comment about a tax break for all of the citizens you put through all of this. I hope you are at least planning one week free transit or a month free bus pass bc of everyone the citizens have suffered the most in countless ways and if you care like you state you did-you would then compensate us for all of this craziness!!!!
December 28th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Mr O’Brien and your puppet Alain Mercier are nothing but a joke.You say(a one-time payout to offset the City having full control of the scheduling rules)
Are you guys nuts.
You have never had our best interest at heart. And now it’s all about us. What a joke. Show us your test booking done by your staff. Better yet, why don’t we settle this by doing one of each in the next booking to see what the results would turn out to be. Are you afraid of what you might here back from staff.
The last breakdown was over the scheduling.
You have sweetened to pot with cash ( ours if I may add) and made yourself and your puppet Mercier look good. What happend to leaving this to the professionnals. Here you go blabbing on about all this again. Your a pro alright.
Still have not taken the time to address to real problem here.(SCHEDULING)
I will put my two cents in Mr Mercier letter to us by calling myself ( wake up )
From Mr Mercier
Dear All
Re: Update on ATU 279 Strike and Negotiations
I am writing to inform you of the impasse in negotiations and the City’s decision today to request the
Minister of Labour to intervene in the dispute. As General Manager, my commitment to openness and
transparency is firm; therefore I felt it was important for you to know where we stand on the City’s final offer.
Wake up —Never addressed the issue of scheduling. (that’s the big one)
We also have a responsibility to customers and taxpayers who choose to use and fund our services.
Wake up– What, you never had that before? (last 80 years)
We will be requesting a Ministerial order for a final offer vote pursuant to section 108.1(1) of the Canada
Labour Code, as there is a pressing public interest to bring the current public transit strike to an end and to
ensure each employee involved has an opportunity to see the Employer’s offer and exercise their right to
vote.
Wake up–Who do you think you guys are. You spend far 2 much time trying to push a vote and get injunctions to stop whatever it is you want to stop.
Why not spend more time getting a deal done. (There are alot of poeple hurting here) are you 2 guys hurting. Did not think so.
Why the request for a supervised vote?
Wake up — Can’t move because Larry wants what Larry wants. Full control of scheduling rules. (key word is RULES)
The parties have resolved the majority of the issues in dispute at the bargaining table. The most significant
final stumbling block has been the issue of scheduling, which is a fundamental issue for the City.
Since some of you voted on an offer dated December 2nd, the parties have continued to try to reach a
settlement at the bargaining table. As a result, significant improvements have been made to this offer
through the normal process of collective bargaining.
Wake up– What has changes in the main scheduling issue?
In fact, different offers have been tabled with your
Union since then. Each of these offers containing improvements that you have not had a chance to review.
Wake up–We have seen it all, thanks to you two. But saw nothing in regards to scheduling.Is Larry not willing to take this on With the assigned mediator and union.
Although the City has been requesting that the Union put its offers to a vote of all members of the
bargaining unit, the Union’s executive have repeatedly been denied these requests.
Wake up–Address the real problem and we will vote.
Do you really think that bringing this offer to vote by forcing it on the menbers, it would pass.
Or are you wanting to see the percentages.
In an effort to resolve the bargaining impasse, the parties returned to negotiations on December 20, 21, 22,
and 23. On Tuesday, December 23rd, the City tabled a last proposal for settlement to the ATU bargaining
team.
Wake up— the last proposale eh! Who forced who’s hand here.
Despite the fact that it provides improvements in a number of contentious areas, the Union has
conclusively refused this offer and has, once again, reaffirmed its position that it will not put the offer to a
vote of the membership.
Wake up– Address the real issue. Then there will be reason to vote.
This is the case notwithstanding that there have been numerous public comments
from bargaining unit members, such as those you have heard repeatedly in the media, asking for an
opportunity to vote on the City’s offer.
Wake up– unbelievable
It may be noted that these requests predate the City’s last, improved,
offer.
What is causing the impasse?
Wake up— SCHEDULING,SCHEDULING,SCHEDULING,SCHEDULING, not that hard to figure out.
I am attaching for you a synopsis of the changes in our offer to the ATU bargaining team since the last vote.
As you will see, there are significant changes in the offers and we have made various concessions
suggested by the ATU in order to resolve the scheduling issue. These include spread premiums and
changes to guarantees from 6 to 7 hours.
Wake up– What about spread times. Is it still at 13.5 hours in a day.
We have also offered to share the rewards of improved
productivity with all ATU 279 members with a dividend of $2,500 following ratification.
Wake up– So far you have saved 7 million. How nice of you. Put the boots to the staff with cash. You have never had our trust based on previous experiences. You are always ready to fry us at the first chance you get. Let’s give up the only thing we have left.
Despite these
movements, the ATU refuses to let the members vote.
The major areas of disagreement are:
• Economic increases beyond 3.25% retroactive to April 1, 2008, , 2% in April 2009 and another
2% in April 2010.. ATU is requesting 3% annually for 2009 and 2010.
Wake up— Not major at all.
On Monday, the
membership of the CUPE 5500 bargaining units ratified a Collective Agreement containing
increases similar to what we have offered.
Wake up— Please share with everyone the exact amount.
• The issue of legislated standards of hours of service, rest and days off for Operators. This is a
fundamental issue to ensure we operate a safe system for the public and our employees. We
are already regulated to equivalent standards for the O-Train but we have been excluded from
new regulations as one of three federally regulated transit organizations in Canada. You will
remember that last summer, ATU agreed to a voluntary compliance by its members pending
labour negotiations. The ATU proposal includes driving for 17 hours with 6 hours rest –
whereas legal standards are 14 hours with 8 hours rest.
• The uncertified sick leave request by the union is beyond what is applicable to the vast
majority of other employees at the City. In addition to eight (8) days of uncertified sick leave,
we have offered a new concept that currently does not apply to other City employees where
you would have the opportunity to bank up to 14 days of uncertified sick leave entitlement to
provide relief for individuals who may have extended reasons for leave in a given year. This
entitlement would not reduce your current sick leave plan of eighty-five (85) days paid at
ninety percent (90%). ATU is requesting the equivalent of fourteen (14) days annually, eight
days of uncertified sick leave plus four (4) days of special leave, which is unaffordable.
• ATU is also requesting changes in language on contracting out of maintenance work. My
commitment to employees and to the ATU has been to fill each position and to focus on our
core business – to service and maintain our bus fleet first. Industry must be there to take on
work we are not equipped to do at a competitive price. Under our proposal, all collective
agreement rights of employees continue to be maintained and we have also offered to advise
ATU of contracting plans so that we can work together in an open manner.
It is my hope that the facts bear witness to the reasonableness of the City’s position to meet the needs of its
employees, customers and taxpayers. As we enter 2009, we are faced with great challenges.
Wake up– REALLY. Tell me the Mayor 35% increase, His council 17% increase, Mr Mercier would you like to tell the people of Ottawa what you got. Change in job description and how much more cash per year.
drastic reduction in gasoline costs may reduce public transit demand while we are trying to balance our books.
Wake up– Lower gas prices ( should that not help)
City
Council faced difficult decisions whether to invest in transit or implement funding cuts. I believe that
Council’s policy to invest in transit was based, in part, on their belief we will work together (wake up– Like you are now) to provide a
higher quality service, become more reliable, and that we will work smarter Wake up– ( you mean much much harder and longer ) to provide more service without
excessive cost increases.
Wake up— What great quality of life that would be.
I have confidence that we will overcome this difficult period through perseverance and by remembering that
soon we will resume working as a team Wake up– ( when were we a team ,lol) What a joke this letter is.
to rebuild our reputation of excellence, value and safety. In
speaking with many of you who are on strike, I remain encouraged by the pride you have shown in our
business.Wake up— Nobody wants this stike, But we will not give in at all cost. Alain and Larry, please get to work on the sceduling issue so we can all get back to normal and work.
My regards to all employees and wish you and your families well for the holidays.
Wake up— REALLY, well I’m sure.
Wake up
Original Signed by:
Alain Mercier
General Manager
Attach.
December 28th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
It’s time to face facts here Mr. Mayor, I’ve never been a huge fan of yours and with this latest fiasco going on, never will. You say you are trying, to negotiate with the ATU in goodfaith, with respect to the taxpayers and the likes. Honestly though, have you been negotiating in good faith? Not to my knowledge.
You haven’t exactly been honest with the people of the city of Ottawa. Have you let them know that instead of what was reported as “saving $3 Million/week” it’s actually more along the lines of $3.4 million every 3 Days? Hmm… not exactly “Honest Larry” as I recall the moniker at one point.
My recommendations are to drop the entire Block Scheduling clause you wish to enforce onto the ATU and its workers. It simply will not work and will do more harm than good. It forces workers to work longer hours? Honestly, Mr. Mayor, can you work for 13.5 hours straight? Then have to be back at work say 6-8 hours later, having to do another 13.5 hour shift? I don’t think so.
I support the ATU and the workers right to strike. Yes we’ve all had to make other arrangements for means of travel but those who disagree with the Unions position, they should take a hard look into reality. The Union is fighting for its workers to give them the benefits that THEY so deserve, given what they do on a daily basis.
Overall: Drop the Block Scheduling completely, settle the contract, and use what money the City has saved and put it back into the pockets of the taxpayers themselves, and not squander it all for the city’s needs.
December 29th, 2008 at 10:20 am
You know, after such a nice Christmas (I am happy to just spend time witrh family and friends) I find myself yet again tackling the endless task of getting to and from destinations without No See Transpo. After reading this entry I have to ask WTF???
Larry, STOP offering more, and start taking away offers. Seriously! The service SUCKS! Buses are way too crowded, buses are not showing up on time or at all, and the drivers are usually rude idiots (yes I know there are a few drivers who rock, but the majority are rude and idiots).
I can see where blame lies at the City’s feet for not resolving this sooner, but it WAS the ATU’s choice to strike during the busiest holiday month. By CHOOSING to strike in December, the ATU showed us that they are truly ignorant to the needs of the public. That the drivers chose to strike at this time as per the ATU’s dictation shows that they are truly oblivious to the needs of the public. Both the ATU and the drivers care about one thing. Money!
Money makes the world go round. Money buys them a car. Money lets them act like morons. They claim that the scheduling is the biggest thing. Then they turn around and say “actually, it’s really about money.” Now they are back on the scheduling bandwagon. Senior drivers have been SCAMMING the system for a while now. One person calls in sick so his alt can get time and a half for working, and then a week or two later the alt calls in sick so that the original driver can get time and a half for working. All the while they both get a paid sick day. I love how management has known about this kind of fraud for ages, and yet they don’t do jack to fix the flaw.
So, the City has the idea to fix some of the crap that has been going on, and the senior drivers cry to the ATU. The ATU in turn demands that the City cease with their attempts to fix a problem by demanding the drivers stay in charge of scheduling. Well I’m sorry ATU and senior dipshytes, but the way work works, is that you do not dictate what hours you work (or what days you decide to scam the system, seriously, who came up with that policy?). If you want to set your own hours, go into business for yourself. I have watched the price of my buspass soar over the years, under the pretext of “increased fuel costs” when in actuallity it’s these greedy senior bus drivers scamming the system.
How about, Larry, instead of offering these greedy people more, we start offering less. Take the saved monies and set the LRT in motion, as well as getting newer buses and repairing the buses we have so that we have less congestion ON the buses as well as having buses that work. A week before the strike, some friends and I were on the 96 Stittsville. IT CAUGHT FIRE while it was in transit!!!! Three days later another bus broke on the way along the Chaudière bridge. Every summer I witness at least half a dozen buses blowing out their coolant system or transmission systems due to the heat. Every day (when we actually have service) I get to enjoy long waits for buses which are supposed to run every 10 minutes. Enough is enough!
It’s time the public transit services were made essential. Facebook has a petition going in order to try to force the issue. I’m sure there are other sites as well. I am very much in fabvour of firing teh ATU president and as I stated previously, I will certainly NOT be voting for Larry in the next election, since his so-called business solution is to throw more money at these morons.
December 29th, 2008 at 11:50 am
This strike is causing me to develop an ulcer; I worry every day how I will get to work, when I can make appointments and if I can find the money to buy a car!
December 29th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Do you really think that Oc transpo management is tring to save money, remember they are the ones that SPENT 2 MILLION DOLLARS ON 303 NEW FARE BOXES ($6600.66 each) AND THEY DON’T EVEN WORK!
MANAGEMENT=JOKE!
December 29th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Just curious, is there a time limit of how long they can be on strike for before firing them? I am looking for a good job.
December 30th, 2008 at 9:55 am
The union has been either completely uncommunicative with the public, or downright rude. During his interviews, Andre Cornellier has essentially laughed in the face of all the people who are struggling to get by because of this strike. People have lost their jobs because selfish drivers want more money! This is ridiculous! These people can’t even look for new jobs because they cannot travel!
And now, with the icy sidewalks, my family is completely isolated. We can’t even go shopping unless, in an act of charity, a friend or family member is available to drive us. We have been living on little more than canned peas because of the strain of walking to the grocery store. Not to mention the fact that we both have to work and walk there, no less!
As far as I can see, what the union is demanding is completely unreasonable. If I am wrong, it is only because they have lacked the respect and intelligence to show the public otherwise. Add to this the fact that the drivers could easily have a re-vote and end this strike if they wanted to, making them accomplices to this entire thing, have you have an industry that is beyond corrupt - entering the territory if being downright mean-spirited. This was done with a clear intention - to flip the bird at the city and money-grub. I’m honestly not sure which was a higher priority for their leadership.
It is time to stop increasing our offers, to stop putting the burden of higher and higher bus pass prices on those of us who are hurt enough by these economic times (and don’t think I don’t know where the money for their 7% wage increase and settlement incentives would come from; I’m already paying almost $100 a month for bus passes, with plans for it to keep rising exponentially). We need to get the federal government involved and we need to get this situation fixed - immediately.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Mayor Luthor had plenty of time (since March) to negotiate with the union but chose to use his “panic tactics” (a la John Snobelen) to try and force the union to jump the way he wanted by delaying the meeting until a time when he knew bus-service was more important.
Blaming the union is blaming the victim.
December 30th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
DIGNITY AND RESPECT! NOW I SEE WHY THEY WENT ON STRIKE!!
MY EMPLOYEES ARE PEOPLE, HUMAN BEINGS, NOT CHARACTERS!
My father once told me, TREAT PEOPLE AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED!
December 31st, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I’m not sure who’s more incompetent, you or the ATU union leader. Your stubborness and his arrogance have made this city a mockery across the nation. Seriously, during one of the biggest tourneys ever to be had in Ottawa and no bus service. All because of scheduling. Give me a break. Don’t these OC bus drivers know we’re in a recessiong? I’d like a 7% raise over 3 years and i’d love to pick my own schedule..but that doesn’t happen.
December 31st, 2008 at 7:51 pm
I am starting a new job don’t know where to park or how to get there. My son will most likely have to walk to school and home 4 hrs.
I am worried about getting to work on time and safe as going down town is a challenge for me.
I am sad that we have to add this strike to our already busy lives. I make way less than any bus driver.
I am also a single mother with 3 kids. I am glad to have a job.
If I had free parking I will never again take the bus.
Yes something can be done, but who have the guts???
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I heard someone who WAS a bus rider, suggest a group of people get together and hire buses.
What a concept!!
I live in where , a group of people bus in everyday through Tierney (?) bus lines.
What about the businesses who advertise on the OC buses?
Could they not do the same on other buses?
I work in Health care, and am fortunate to have a vehicle.
There are PSW’s who bus to service their client’s.
Our Healthcare agency has had to scramble to find alternative ways of getting them to their clients.
I stand firmly behind the mayor in his postion.
AND…. MY final comment is for all you busdrivers out there.
YOU are NOT, and never will be ,equal to Firefighters or Police officers .
You are a bus driver and you CHOOSE to be.
I HAVE to work every other weekend in Health care, it is mandatory.
I also NEVER get to choose my schedule.
I also have been threatened by a man who was holding knives in his hands after cutting his wrists, I stayed to keep his wife safe.
I take the chance everyday of contracting a disease or being threatened or verbal or physical abuse!
I make 13.50 an hour.
I drive all over the country to get people out of bed who are paralysed etc etc.
I DO NOT receive sick days, I lose pay if someone cancels or goes in hospital or God forbid, dies.
What about the man who operates a Mac’s milk ?
He takes a chance on being shot for money, or my daughter who lives downtown and has to walk home late at nite from work?
We all take chances in life.
AGAIN , you became bus drivers because you wanted to
NO one forced you.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Todd,
While I agree with you that the mayor and the city of ottawa could have averted this whole strike by taking care of business back in May, you have to remember that it was the ATU who CHOSE to strike at the time they did. I realise that they want to put pressure on the mayor and the city, but they did so at the expense of those who rely on the bus services. They chose to strike out not only at the mayor and the city of ottawa, but at it’s citizens and businesses; during a time of economic stress.
While I believe in the ideals and function of what Unions were originally intended for (making sure the working stiff got his due and not the shaft) the ATU has become a sort of old boys club where making sure their senior members profit comes first. This kind of Union is the bane of modern society. Instead of making sure that their workers get fair due, they try to take as much as they can for their senior members. Corruption runs rampant. Kind of like they Cammunism evolved. A great idea, but doomed to fail because of the susceptability to corruption and favouritism.
In a perfect world there would be no homeless, no jobless, no drug addicts, no struggle for survival. Everyone would be polite with each other and ambrosia would rain from the heavens. Unfortunatelty the real world is harsh, brutal and unforgiving, which tends to taint the “perfect” idealogy .
As it stands, bus drivers make a heck of a lot more than people who’s jobs can be more demanding and require a heck of a lot training. Yet they make more money than these people have have better benefits. Once seniority kicks in, they gain the one perk no other profession offers. The ability to make their own scheduling choices. The fact that the city is offering yet more money to them is pretty disheartening to the average working stiff.
On a side note: To the one who used “wake up” 50 billion times… sorry I fell asleep reading your post. Did you actually have a point to make?
January 5th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Corruption runs rampant. Kind of like they Cammunism evolved.
This should have read “Kind of like the way Communism evolved.”
January 5th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
WAke up, do you really believe everything you read in the newspaper? Start looking at the web sites, talk to the picketers. Do you really think the mayor is going to tell the whole story? Car poolers are whining that their day has gotten so long because of this strike. Think about these drivers who start work early and end late. What about their families, should they not be able to see them? How many of us would be OK with our spouse being away for breakfast, lunch and supper, not spending time with their children? All blame of this strike cannot be placed on ATU, why was this not settled before it came to this? Who benefits from this strike? CITY HALL by saving 3 million or so a week. Is Larry Obrian not the same guy up on charges for bribary? What sort of raise did he get, how many sick days does he get?
January 9th, 2009 at 9:16 am
GOOD WORK. SUGGEST TO THE PEOPLE ON STRIKE TO GO OUT IN THE REAL WORLD WHILE THEY ARE OFF, AND CHECK OUT JOB OPPOTUNITIES SEE HOW OTHER PEOPLE GET PAID FOR THE WORK THEY DO AND WHAT BENEFITS ARE THE NORM. DO NOT CAVE IN TO THE UNIONS AND THEIR “WORKERS”. EVER WONDERED HOW THE UNION LEADER GETS PAID WHILE THE STRIKE IS ON ?????
January 9th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
The whole strike is getting sicker and wilder by the minute…..Okay…..A.T.U. we know that you hate us, but please let our families go to college without You pounding their cars with fists or pickets…………….What a sham you are for professional drivers.
All you do best is hurt and bully people…………..
You all hide well behind the Brotherhood……………………………………..
and most are bullies when driving.
It is so sad that these are the people that drive our buses………..The ones that day had an outdoor party and rally while so many were walking hours to get to work or just not able to.
I really do believe that most of you do not have a conscience and are totally narcisstic…………….so not even worth hating……..
No job will satisfy you………………
January 10th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Hi:
This Bus Strike is getting sicker by the day! We have given our city over to one Union………….Enough!Already………….people could freeze out there.
Protesters….stop your bullying of Algonquin Students and keep your pickets to yourself……..stop being bullies.
Remember……….We Will Not Forget