City taking action after a “No” vote from ATU 279
Please see below a statement I made today as a result of the vote from ATU members who rejected the City’s latest offer.
Also, the City is introducing new, ready-to-go mitigation strategies to help Ottawa residents deal with the transit strike.
For more information on these efforts, please visit Ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1.
Statement to Members of the Public and the Media
The announcements we are making today are a direct result of yesterday’s vote by the ATU to reject the City’s offer.
We believe that the vote was not a win for the ATU and it definitely was not a win for the citizens of Ottawa.
Our response today is clear. The City is open to continued negotiations; we are firm in our resolve and remain active in mitigating the hardships this strike is placing upon our residents.
Let me start by saying we believed and still believe that the offer we presented to the union represents a fair and reasonable offer.
The negotiating team put forward an offer that exhausted the mandate given by Council.
Although we think that the decision by ATU was wrong, it is time to move forward.
I spoke with Minister Ambrose last night.
In the course of the conversation, she gave me the results of the vote tally, and we agreed that the parties should get back to the negotiating table as soon as possible.
I thanked the Minister for having facilitated a vote, and it remains our intent to resume discussions in a timely manner.
In fact, the City was and always has been at the table.
We intend to ascertain if there is any opportunity to reach an agreement under our current bargaining mandate. We are open to change, but it must be within the economic envelope approved by Council.
But now we have to take additional steps to mitigate the effects of this strike on our residents.
City staff and Council have been working hard to prepare for all circumstances, and what we are seeing today is another step in minimizing inconvenience to the citizens of Ottawa.
Since last night, I have spoken with the members of City Council, updating them on our progress. City management met last night and early this morning to continue our assessment and planning of the situation.
Since the strike began, senior management, the bargaining team and I, on behalf of Council, have been meeting daily to ensure that we can do what we need to do, when we need to do it.
Today, I would like to share with you the steps that we are taking now, and the preparations we are taking for the coming days and weeks…
First, in response to the Minister’s request that we resume negotiations, we have contacted the Federal Mediator to inquire about whether the union is prepared to resume negotiations within the City’s existing mandate. We want to hear from the union so that we can go back to Council and report.
We are now taking some additional measures to help minimize the impact of this strike.
We will be expanding access to the Transitway to promote use of organized shuttles for students and community organizations to reduce road congestion.
We expect that expanded use of the Transitway will be in place in time for Monday morning.
We ask that community organizations contact the City to make appropriate arrangements at 3-1-1.
We are also taking one more additional and important step and expanding Para Transpo to meet demands no longer being met by the OC Transpo system. This will include expanded services for seniors and vulnerable members of our community.
We will immediately be providing emergency funding of $200,000 to community agencies to act as the focal point for arranging these additional services.
To achieve the increased Para Transpo needs, we will immediately hire additional Para Transpo drivers. Some of these drivers are already trained and ready to start.We will also be leasing additional vehicles for Para Transpo.
As well we will be immediately providing emergency funding to those at risk of losing their jobs due to an inability to get transportation.
As an unfortunate and direct response to the no vote yesterday there will be additional layoffs at OC Transpo.
These employees were informed today at lunch. This will unfortunately affect members of ATU 1760.
We did not do this sooner because we wanted to show ATU that we were interested in a speedy resolution to this strike, but the results of the vote leave us with little choice. We have a responsibility to the taxpayers of Ottawa.
In closing, we have a response that is open to continued barging
We are firm in our resolve to protect the taxpayers interests and stand-up for what is right and what is proper.
Thirdly, we have taken the next steps today in mitigating the effects of this strike on the people of Ottawa.
In closing, I would like to thank the residents of Ottawa for their perseverance during this difficult time.
January 9th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Thank you for this update Mayor Larry. I voted for you because I thought you would take initiative and I’m glad that you finally did.
I fully support the layoffs at OC Transpo and I encourage you take further steps for mass layoffs. With the economy the way it is, no one has the right to take away this ESSENTIAL SERVICE. This is too much power for one group to have.
This past month I have experienced my own hardships. As a stay at home Mom of 3 young children I have not been able to see my husband until the weekend since he leaves before the children are awake and comes home when they are ready to sleep (we live in Orleans and his work is downtown). For someone with an established career in the public service, this is not the life he nor I signed up for. I left my comfortable government position to stay at home and take care of my kids to have a more relaxed life for my children, but with no support from my husband, I am at my wits end.
My own mother has cancer treatment on Monday and was unable to go to her pre-treatment checkups because of the strike. We still do not know how we will get her there and back on Monday, after a full day of cancer treatment, the last thing she needs is a 3 hour car ride home from the hospital (she lives in Nepean).
Why the bus lanes have not been open until now I cannot understand - after all it is the community at large that you should be supporting and making things easier for. This is your city and we voted you to take care of it. Please look at this the way you would manage a company - if your staff refused to work, would you actually keep them on staff or hire brand new, willing to work staff?
I can tell you that I would be much happier to see someone who values serving their community and their job then an ungrateful grumpy one first thing in the morning when I get on the bus.
I’m looking forward to your solutions and hope you stand firm and support us as we try to support you.
Thanks,
Dominique Hansen-Vigier
January 9th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Take that “signing bonus” of $2500 off the table. And don’t give in to their scheduling demands. I am a regular bus rider, who does not own a car. I am lucky in that I can afford to rent a car and pay for the gas, and pay for parking, but it is still money I would rather have back in my pocket. I feel terrible for those who don’t have such options.
January 9th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Hey, I have an idea: stop playing these media games, and solve the bus strike!
January 9th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Well, well, well… not only did I become unemployed due to injuries obtained in three accidents in six months (all as a passenger of OC Transpo), and not only did my wife lose out on the job she loved because the union went on strike, now the drivers co-workers who are part of local 1760 are losing thier jobs too.
I wonder how Andre feels about that now.
Oh that’s right, as Andre said “It’s all about inconveniencing people…”
Hope you’re real proud of yourself there Andre…
All these members saying its not about the money, and claiming that it’s all about the scheduling… well then tell me… if the raises, extra sick days, $2500 bonus, etc… were removed leaving you with only the scheduling control that you want so you can have your quality of life with your families would you all suddenly say “Yes” ???
Yeah, I didn’t’ think so.
You knew what you were facing when you started your job. Just police, paramedics etc did (not to shoot anyone down but they are more highly trained/educated then the average bus driver) and I don’t see them striking.
Heck what about the poor security guard that has to start his/her job at minimum wage or close to it working 12-16 hours overnight… yeah it sucks BUT THEY DO IT because they knew what the job brought to their lives. I hope you are smart enough to know what your job may have required when you applied and trained for it. If you don’t, I question if it’s safe to have you behind the wheel at all… then again as I stated, 3 accidents in 6 months as a passenger on OC Transpo…
Larry (if I may address you by your first name), stay strong!
To the union members as yourself this, if it wasn’t for Andre (and/or other members) getting you wound up, would you really have voted no? (I’m not looking for a reply, I just want you to seriously think about that without biased opinions from your fellow members).
And to the members that did chose ‘Yes’ on behalf of the riders, thank you.
January 9th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
I don’t understand!!!!!! I think that the city needs to step in and end this strike. If you can’t do that then replace those that want to stay out on strike. I think you need to make it an essential service. I have a son and a daughter-in-law that are trying to attend to of the schools there and can’t get there without a whole lot of hassle because of this strike. If they get lower marks or fail is the city going to pay for their lost year or are you going to do something. There are alot of people out there that would love a job no matter what they have to do.
Now we know that the union won this round so do something to trump their move. You want the country to see our capital city with a council that won’t do anything.
I live 7 hours away and can’t believe what is going on.
What about Toronto when they were looking at a simular situation they deverted it before it ever got anywhere close to where Ottawa is right now. Maybe you should call their mayor and see what you should do.
I guess all I am asking as a parent is DO SOMETHING!!!!!!
January 9th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Dear Mr. Mayor,
Thank you for taking the next steps to help solve this crisis. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the outcome.
January 9th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
I am writing in reference to the Oc Transpo bus strike and how these people have stifled the city of Ottawa with their stupidity. Many have lost their jobs, students are struggling to get back and forth to school, people are car pooling and paying out un necessary extra in gas and for taxi cabs, infringing on people’s lives. What is wrong with these people? Why does Oc Transpo not have a back up plan or the city for that matter to compensate the general public in transportation when these things happen? Every one is suppossed to stop living for Oc Transpo because they want to fill their pockets more for sitting down, controlling a steering wheel, issuing out a transfer and eyeing the public to make sure they pay the fare??? Are you kidding me??? Paying 81.00 a month for an Adult Bus pass??? And they have the nerve to go on strike for MORE MONEY????
I am a single mother of three kids, have no car to transport my kids around and personally the Union Leader who is encouraging this strike should be fired and replaced. You cannot operate society that way and for him to say that he does not care about the public but he cares for his drivers? Without the public those drivers would not have a reason to learn how to operate a bus, now for goodness sakes get the bus strike over with and if they continue to refuse to vote then produce a new clause for Oc Transpo drivers to abide by : “Going on strike and stifling the public from their own survival is grounds for dismissal”…I pray to God that someone sues Oc Transpo for this, I really do. Y’all have cars and money not to worry about what this had done to the public in Ottawa, y’all make me so dang sick its not funny….A disgusted Canadian…
January 9th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Mr. O’brien, I believe the Union and it’s member are very unfare. I support you 100% and thank you for trying to protect the taxpayers interests.
My suggestion to you is to contact the member that voted yes and asked them if they would like to return to work. If you can get 35 % of the worker you could restore partial service for now and replace the the other 65 % overtime.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
I think you and the city are doing the best you can given the financial environment that the city and the country is in. I am frustrated that the strike is still on but I hope that both sides can come to some agreement soon. I believe that from a strategic point of view the city is in the drivers seat (pardon the pun). I believe that over the next two weeks many of the drivers who voted to turn down the latest offer will be changing their minds and give them another month and they will be begging to sign any offer you give them. I would try to sit down with the membership but do not give into them as the union loses more member support each week the strike goes on and the percentage of members who flip sides grows greater every day that passes without a pay cheque.
Perhaps the city could consider contracting out some of the routes such as the 95. This could start as early as Monday Jan 12th and would greatly assist many people. This would also let the union know that their days are numbered. I am sure that there are many private bus companys who have drivers trainned and ready to go who would be willing to drive a route that is now run by a private outside organization. This would also allow the city to lay off some of the bus drivers saving more tax dollars. I am sure that a private company would love to start picking up routes.
January 10th, 2009 at 4:24 am
Can we have a shuttle form downtown say on bank to the Ottawa General Campus please? I am not sure what others think. It may capture the students at the university and the hospital staff.
Thanks
January 10th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Congratulations on your resolve. You cannot have the tail wagging the dog. I support your efforts to stick to your original plan, which is why you were elected by the citizens of Ottawa.
Although it is very difficult for many people, it is a necessary action.
Please note the spelling error of “bargaining ?” in the 4th last paragraph.
Good luck.
January 10th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Mr. Mayor,
Did you layoff those people at OC Transpo because they belong to another ATU local?
What about CUPE 5500 Members at OC Transpo, supervisors, on street supervisors, transit law?
Well it has come to my attention that supervisors and on street supervisors are doing absoulty nothing all day, night! They are support staff to the drivers, if you have no drivers you dont need supervisors.
And to dispell the mith that they are starting buses and moving them around to keep them running, THEY ARE NOT!
In final I (a tax payer in the city of Ottawa) believe the ATU members layed off on friday was solly because they belong to ATU!
January 10th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Please don’t back down now…..
Thank goodness for very good friends who I have been relying on in order to make it to work. Although not to extent as some, I have been very inconvenienced throughout this ordeal. It has meant very long days and it has cost me alot of money on gas and other expenses I am not accustomed to paying as I use the public transit system everyday. And although I have been forced to make significant changes in my life, I am fully prepared to wait a long time to get back to normal. The city council has done a good job up to now showing its unity and I very much hope it continues that way. Please don’t cave in now. It will have made this whole exercise pointless. I believe this has brought out the very best in people and it is nice to see. Come to think of it, I haven’t heard as honking horn in days……
January 10th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Dear Mayor O’Brien and City Council Members,
Although my family has been rather inconvenienced by the transit strike, as a taxpayer, I sincerely hope that you do NOT give in the the striking bus drivers and their union. They are already well compensated for their work in terms of salaries and benefits. It is unfortunate that they are unhappy about the scheduling issue but if you were to poll all Canadian employees, I am certain that you would find that almost all have legitimate gripes about their jobs. If the scheduling issue is that big of a problem for bus drivers, then they are free to find more suitable employment elsewhere. It really is that simple. While they are performing an essential service, let’s face it, it isn’t brain surgery or rocket science. They are driving buses, not ambulances. In our current economy, one would think that they would be grateful for their positions instead of behaving like spoiled children, expecting everything to go their way. If you give in now, there will be no end to their tyranny so I sincerely hope that you will stand your ground. Thank you.
January 10th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I would like to know what you are going to do about the extra service you are give Para Transpo. Are you going to have more staff on to take all of these call and to dispatch them??? They are busy as it is. If you guys go with replacement workers are you going to train the for the full 6 ½ weeks just like all the other drivers????
January 11th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I am 100% support City of Ottawa.
Can you hire the yellow schoolbus drivers and rent the yellow schoolbusses as a temporary replacement during OC Transpo strike?
January 11th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Lay. Them. All - off. If OC Transpo is not working there is no need for anyone to remain working at taxpayer expense.
Then let those not on strike (now laid off) demonstrate to Andre what he has really done.
January 11th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Mayor,
the worst that could happen has already happened. Those who were inconvenienced have managed to make alternate arrangements and will contribute to do so. Those who still need help will get it either through the measures you have introduced or others that will be developed by the city or local organizations. The strikers think they have won because they voted to reject a very fair offer in these looming hard economic times. I believe and recommend that the city not give in to extortion. In fact, I believe that the offer already made be reduced since the financial situation is deteriorating, not improving. Do not allow this callous rable to hold the citizens of Ottawa for ransom.
Thank you,
John Mitchell
January 11th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
I would suggest the follows:
1) double the prices of bus pass so that the city can offer the drivers’ salary expenses.
2) ask special funding from federal gov
3) reduce the bus services 20% by cutting the some lines.
Thanks.
January 11th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I would suggest the follows:
1) double the prices of bus pass so that the city have enough money for the drivers’ salary expenses.
2) ask special funding from federal gov
3) reduce the bus services 20% by cutting the some lines.
Thanks.
January 11th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Mr. O’Brien,
With all due respect, the actions being taken will not even come close to making things any better.
The union voted no. The public supports your stance. Now, get back to the table and hammer out a deal that works for the city, the union and the public.
January 11th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Jan. 11, 2009
I would like to thank you as mayor and city council for standing firm with the bus strike. At long last it would appear that council is starting to realize that the common taxpayer can not afford to keep giving in to unreasonable union demands. I truly hope the union will realize that we are in a recession and that many of us taxpayers are working longer hours for less pay. PLEASE DO NOT give in!!!! That includes you Councillor Doucette.
January 11th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Thank you for taking our side, the taxpayers. You are our voice; do not give in.
January 11th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Dear Mayor O’Brien,
You’ve shown strong resolve and when back at the negotiating table, please continue to “hang tough” — many citizens, although greatly inconvenienced, appreciate the strong stance that the City has adopted.
In particular, I would hope that you and Councillors adhere to your position that the resolution must be within the financial framework approved by City Council. The efficiences you have sought from the outset must still be found; perhaps the Union can be more constructive in helping to identify and implement solutions if the thorny scheduling issue is left in its hands, for now. The union should be prepared to shoulder the financial pain that so many others have already — and willingly — taken on (e.g. lower annual salary increases over the next three years, finding efficiences by improved scheduling, foregoing the one-time “signing incentives”).
Should the Union retain scheduling, any agreement in which it is responsible for identifying and implementing greater efficiencies should also include penalties for failing to do so. Ottawans, already subject to increased property taxes, deserve no less.
Continue the good fight.
Best,
Catherine
January 12th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Don’t forget to PERSONALLY invite the ATU to your negotiations with the federal mediator. I feel more will get done if both parties are present.
Thank you.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Over a month of negotiations and your team can’t work out an agreement.
Here is why you need to solve the dispute:
1. I, like lots of low income earners, have either lost the job or are on the brinks of losing their jobs because of the lack of transportation.
2. I have no money left for food and rent because I have spent it on cab fares going into work
3. I cannot begin a new job because I have no way a getting to work
4. Your City offers support to those with cars in terms of free parking. Who cares? They own a vehicle.
5. Your City has made no mention of your strategic plan to cover the already paid fees of city residents who bought Monthly passes.
It is 12 Jan 2009 today. I am over a $1000 deep in cab fares. Solve this dispute today O BRIEN. If not, can you give me a drive to work tommorow?
January 12th, 2009 at 8:35 am
This strike would end tomorrow if
A- They leave the scheduling alone like its been for 10 years
B-Modest raises, take away the so called signing bonuses
C-Give them sick and family days off in parity to Supervisors and Admin staff,,RESPECT!
January 12th, 2009 at 8:37 am
I fully support you Mayor O’Brien and City Council…Keep up the good work and whatever happens, do not give in to ATU 279. In fact, now is the time to start removing some of the generous offers you previously made…especially the $2500 bonus.
Thank you for looking at ways of helping the vulnerable citizens, opening the transitway, giving money to charities, etc.
Have a nice day,
Linda
January 12th, 2009 at 8:44 am
To Jay Kar
Double Bus Fares
Some people have issues with the cost of fares now.They double it that will just anger alot of people.
Funding
With the amount of job loses and expected job losses if the fed gov gave funding so the drivers could get paid more.Well there would be out right riots.
Pay Freeze
The bus drivers should get and i think will get a pay freeze for 3 years.NO raise bonous anything.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I think you are doing the right thing in not giving in. But to help please open more lines to 311 city and Para-transpo, the lines are so busy that when we(community workers and nurses) do get threw they are all full for the next day and to get a drive you must book the day before. And please don’t forget the volunteers who can’t get to there jobs at hospitals and lodges. And that makes the work and trafic control in the the buildings very dangerous. Please help Them.. Fran
January 12th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Another day, another long walk to work.
Mayor Larry - DO NOT GIVE IN TO THE UNION.
Take the $2,500 signing bonus off the table. They do not deserve it. Now that the drivers no longer have a paycheque coming in, we’ll see how long they are willing to stay on strike. I hope that the businesses that have lost money due to the bus strike show no mercy to the bus drivers when they say they have no money to pay their bills.
After 34 days of no transit service, the residents have learned how to cope without bus service. Lets see how the bus drivers cope with no money to pay the bills, the rent/mortgage, and food.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
The older bus drivers will never give in to the new scheduling. It would mean they have to do morning rush hour, and then afternoon rush hour, with a big long un-paid break through the middle of the day. They will never give in to that. Get your Engineers to figure out something else.
Get the Union to sign into a study of scheduling and number of employed drivers/mechanics with a set goal for OC costs, to be determined over the next five years. Little steps get you further than not being able to make the whole journey in one jump.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Mr Mayor I am very dissapointed in your plan B. Did you and the city councilors really believe that the ATU were joking when they said no to your initial offer. I suggest that you and the council quit embarassing yourselfs further and get back to work. Use whatever means is available, but, do it immediately. I have had enough with the media slagging etc, I just want this strike over and done with. I am a property tax payer, you and councellor Jan Harder are my employees, so get to work and bring a stop to this strike.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:52 am
in response to ‘Jay’s’ comment: do you take the bus or do you have a car? Because as a single mother who goes to college AND works and relies on the buses to get around, I pay 64$ a month for a STUDENT bus pass and you suggest they ask me to pay over 120$ for a bus pass each month when I can barely get by on what I have to feed my son and get his basic needs? In cases of regular adult passes thats over 160$ for a bus pass. Sorry but not all of us have money in our pockets to dish that much out for the less than decent service that OC transpo drivers provide just to put more money in THEIR pockets. In most cases (not all but most) bus driver’s aren’t courteous and on several occasions I’ve seen driver’s hit the gas before elderly passengers can even get seated leaving them to fall on the bus and get injured; and you want us to pay MORE? That’s rediculous. I feel really bad for those who do not have the resources or family members with transportation to help them out leaving them no choice but to forfeit or lose their jobs.
I was leaning towards the side of the driver’s at the beginning of this strike but now I fully support the city and any actions they’ve been taking to try and resolve this situation as fast as possible. Hopefully the union leader gets off his high horse and realizes the damage he’s doing to thousands of families INCLUDING those of his drivers.
Feel good about yourself Mr.Cornellier; rest safe knowing you’ll rot later in life for all the damage you’ve done to innocent citizens of Ottawa and the families of those that work under you.
January 13th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Does this news make you happy Mr. O’Brien?
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/Transit+strike+cost+280M/1166316/story.html
Sure you’re saving money, but the public sure isn’t.
January 13th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I find it difficult to understand people who talks with both sides of their mouth - it is not about money, it is about money; we want to go on strike, we want to work; we don’t care about the public, we sympathize with the public. Mayor Larry, I trust you will do the right thing for Ottawa to put things back in order.
January 13th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
How about we use those “savings” we’re getting each week from not having any buses get spent on actually making transit affordable for those that use it…. e.g. STOP RAISING TICKET PRICES EVERY 6 months
January 13th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
The sluggish performance of both sides in restoring what is really an essential service is shameful.
The damage in the short term and the long term to this city is huge.
It will take years to restore public trust and confidence in our transit system’s reliability. This strike is a public relations disaster in terms of getting support for mass transit improvements and infrastructure additions.
Who wants light rail if it is going we are all going to be held ransom like this ?
Whoever wins - we all will lose. The settlement of this strike - whenever you get it done - will be at the cost of public respect for both our municipal government and respect for the drivers , which is pretty low even at this time. Tens of thousands of Ottawa citizens are now driving unnecessarily, paying predatory parking fees, and losing productivity and personal time to this terrible strike.
Businesses are bleeding .
Despite protestations to the contrary, the city has not done anything which has signifigantly improved life around here for the vast majority 0of us since we lost our transit system .
I am almost convinced that the city has decided to use this strike in the most cynical way conceivable - as a source of revenue from wages not paid and parking fees collected during the strike.
Fix this immediately, please.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Mr. Mayor:
Please stay the course and don’t give in to the drivers’ union. By all means, give even more funds to those that are most negatively impacted by the strike. But one action you have yet to mention is moving forward to end OC Tranpo’s transit monopoly. It is not a natural monopoly as some argue (they use to say that about telephone service remember). Competition is transit is the only thing that will save residents from constantly being held hostage by the unions at OC. And that competition can’t happen while it is outlawed.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Mayor O’Brien,
I want to thank you for how you have handled the transit negotiations. This has, without a doubt, been an extremely challenging situation with far reaching implications for many, and I congratulate you on how you’ve represented the City, yourself, and the views of average citizens - particularly in the face of being surrounded by seeming incompetence from some city councillors.
I am shocked and appalled by the actions of Clive Doucet. It’s almost beyond comprehension how someone in his position can behave as he has, and be seemingly unaware of how his comments cast him as being uninformed, uninvolved, and ignorant. I question the future of our city with people like him leading. Aside from the obvious damage he has done in extending negotiations and reaching a settlement with the union, I worry to have this person representing any part of the City of Ottawa.
This isn’t about winning or losing. I trust in your conviction as to the safety and welfare of the passengers on our transit systems. I trust in your ability to negotiate this situation, reach an acceptable resolution, and protect the long term viability of both the transit system and the city’s finances. Further, I trust in you to lead. Please continue.
January 14th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Get those buses running again!
Erif Yrral
January 14th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Dear Mayor O’Brien,
Thank you for the great job you are doing, I support you wholeheartedly.
I think the union and perhaps some bus drivers have totally lost touch with reality, if you ask me.
I also think the $2,500 signing bonus should be taken off the table.
Since the strike, I have been re-thinking how I do things, making appointments when I know the traffic will be lighter, so I don’t have to drive when it’s the busiest. I’m lucky enough to live in town and work in the east end, so I am going against traffic flow traveling to and from work. I have been driving a couple of co-workers who live near me and who don’t have cars, and I’ve driven a friend home from her part time job on occasion. My friends, colleagues, and the people I encounter during my day are banding together during the strike to make things work, and I don’t hear too many complaints.
I know there are a lot of people who rely totally on the bus, and my heart goes out to those people. I hope it will be resolved soon for their sake, in keeping with the city’s mandate.
January 15th, 2009 at 12:48 am
Keep to your guns Mayor! Don’t give in to the demands of a Union who has already stated that they do not give a damn rats ass for the public they were supposed to serve. No one in the real world gets to dictate what hours they get to work as they are employees! Employees hired by an Employer! As far as I’m concerned, if I could, I’d just have the whole lot fired ala Ronald Reagan and the ATC controllers in the 80’s.
Hell, I bet there are a bunch of Nortel employees who’d like a job now…
January 15th, 2009 at 8:21 am
So, when are the open fires that the strikers are burning on city sidewalks to keep warm going to be extinguished by the fire department? After all, ATU279 leader said it’s all about inconveniencing people and I don’t want to risk serious injury trying to walk by an open fire when there are a bunch of picketers blocking the public’s passage.
January 15th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Keep the good course Mayor,
The pictures of the union at City Hall said it all = thugs with no respect nor dignity.
And their now threatening to picket the Shuttles for students even takes their lack of humanity even one step further. Students, seniors, sick people, poor people are all having to put up with Andre and the gang.
Take all bonuses and concessions off the table and privitize OC Transpo.
Like the “Blitz” in London - Ottawa will survive and grow into a better city with this union.
January 15th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Dear Mr. O’Brien: I have a suggestion that I think might be helpful regarding the bus strike. Regarding the scheduling issue, maybe you could suggest to the bus union that as long as they obey the driving laws of long distance drivers regarding rest periods, then they can do what they want with their schedules as worked among themselves. Hopefully this is helpful.
January 15th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Mayor, I support what you have done so far. The OC Transpo union earns no respect from Ottawa residents. In an economy like this, they should be thankful for having a job!
Let them run out of money and then ask them to vote again!
January 15th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I watched the web cast of todays meeting and took note of the reason why they will not let people park free, it amazes me that our city people think that drivers are stupid’ saying that people will not move from that spot all day’ is that not the idea during work time? I am also convinced that it’s possible the city and councilors and Mayer feel they are parents to the kids paying tax, west side of transit is dangerous for travel on the 417, if you let people park free they will never leave, side walks cleared and safe. yah right. I am a power chair users and let me tell you, raods are the safer place for any of us needing mobile devices or we have some one with us, drivers are not that stupid and I am sure they would use that lane on 417 just as an extra lane and parking I am sure people are not going to use it as their personal spot because when ever they leave they lose it for some 1 else.
As for getting riders back to the buses knowing they only get half months pay back not even on their dec 2008 pass, good luck, not even sure free rides 4 who cares how long will even work becuase both city and drivers have shown their true respect for those who pay their wages….you do the math!!!!
January 15th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Dear Mayor O’brien
This whole issue is absurd, in this day and age “Transportation is a necessity people”. I believe the City should be held solely accountable for the loss of this service due to incompetence. In giving the Union the right to schedule their workday has given OC Transpo staff the ability to abuse the actual hours worked and be paid for a full days work is appauling. The tax payers have supported you and City Council in regards to the strike and fully expect the City to reclaim the scheduling to prevent this fraudulent abuse of wages paid that are definitely not earned and dead runs, but, this may impact the union members quality of life. Whose company is it?, I’m confused! Who sought and applied for a shift work position? In plain english, the union members have bilked the tax payers out of 10 years and untold amounts of un-earned money and this impacts the “QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE CITIZENS/TAXPAYERS” paying these ingrates salaries. If City council doesn’t stay the course with the support they have received the backlash of anger and frustration will be immeasurable. The un-earned monies recieved by union members far exceeds the current salary increase offered, no wonder the union doesn’t want to give in. DO NOT repeat the mistakes of your predecessor that got us into the current situation. This is a tough situation for all, it’s on the right track, we entrust and believe that you and City Council will safeguard the tax payers hard earned money at a time anyone of us may be faced with unemployment or home loss. The gravy train has to end!!!
January 16th, 2009 at 12:00 am
I find it more than a little disappointing that one week after the NO vote on the contract offer the city has done so little in moving forward to resolve this issue. Was no forethought given to what would happen if the contract should be rejected? Was there ever a Plan B?
The measures taken by city council to mitigate the hardship caused by this strike will do nothing to help those who are MOST AFFECTED BY THE STRIKE. What will opening the transitway or reducing parking fees do for those who do not own a vehicle? Those who don’t own a vehicle are the people most dependent on the transit system but least served by these mitigating measures put forward after this two day council meeting.
I am paying money every day for rides to and from work and while I’m fortunate and thankful to have a drive to work it is still costing me a lot of money while deductions continue to be taken from my cheque for my OC Transpo ecopass!! My daughter has often had to take a cab to and from work or risk losing her job. Transitways and reduced parking fees do nothing to help us.
At this point I support neither the union or the city. I just want a resolution. Both sides appear to be more concerned with meaningless media sound bites than negotiating in good faith. It is unbelievable that the country’s capital city has gone 35 days without any transit system. And it appears it may go another 35 days or longer if the past week is any indication of future progress.
I realize this may be a complicated issue but it’s an issue that has been on the horizon for some time. Now I hear about a FACT FINDER being brought in. Could the facts not have been reviewed before the contract expired or at the very least on December 10th when this mess started?
January 16th, 2009 at 6:13 am
well isn’t it nice that all the senior staff are meeting, driving in no doubt.
I see no relief for students that have to walk to campus and then figure out how to get groceries , attend work etc. They seem to be unimportant to you and your administration.
Signing bonuses are ridiculous in this economy. There are plenty of people working for $8.00/hr that would take those driver jobs in a heartbeat.
January 16th, 2009 at 8:34 am
“at least two more weeks???!” How can you say this? How can this be acceptable?
Get back to the table NOW and talk to the union. Why are you wasting everyone’s time?? You seem happy to deal with the strike, but you don’t seem to want to end it.
Two more weeks! What if I told you that you couldn’t have a service that you absolutely require for at least two more weeks?
January 17th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Here I was optimistically hoping that something would be accomplished at last night’s emergency meeting. Visions of waking up to finding headlines like “Transit Strike Ends!” danced through my head all night.
Nope. Once again city council seems more than happy to extend things for as long as possible. Guess it wasn’t much of an “emergency.”
Thanks.
January 17th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Re: OC Transpo strike and ATU279 Payroll :
I think it is important for the public to realize that the members of ATU279 are most likely not “hurting” too bad financially - yet.
The way that their payroll is deferred means that the members actually received regular pay cheques from the start of the strike up until last week ( the week of Jan. 05, 2009 ). They only started to realize a reduction in their pay starting last week when they were paid for 3 days work, and since that time they have not been receiving any additional pay, except for any strike pay that they might be receiving.
As the weeks wind on in this strike hopefully these people who have made the decision to strike and to disrupt and inconvenience the lives of all us - will realize some disruption and inconvenience in their own lives - with no regular pay cheque coming in !
**** Could the above now be the reason why the ATU279 are “scrambling” to try to get back to work - because to date they have only missed out on a GRAND TOTAL of 7 days woth of pay ??? hmmmmm ??? ****
January 18th, 2009 at 11:40 am
So…??? What’s next. Why do days go by with nothing new happening?
January 19th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Another meeting to “discuss” the strike on Wednesday??? Why always Wednesday? Why not tonight? Why not tomorrow?
If I told my employer I might come to work on Wednesday, instead of today or tomorrow, I’d be fired. You work for the citizens of this city - get to work now. Stop wasting my time.
January 19th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Send it to binding arbitration. It’s glaringly obvious that negotiation has failed and will not succeed.
January 19th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Transit Strike: Public transport should be legislated back to work and deemed essential services which would remove the right to strike. Ottawa OC Transpo doesn’t give a hoot with regard to the needs of commuters. I would like you as Mayor to pose the question: If you’re going to strike, why not strike in the summer rather than winter. Without becoming profane, I think the answer is: to hit commuters at the most difficult travelling time.