Comments on: Blaming Workers Isn’t a Sound Plan to End a Strike

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:31:46 +0000

Crud:

In the federal public service strike of 2004, many employees also chose to cross the picket lines to work. Although the unions imposed heavy fines against these workers, the courts ruled that unions have no power to collect these fines or otherwise punish members.

The unpleasantness in the work environment from militant colleagues may be a real consequence. But the financial penalties are unenforceable.

PS. You made your point clearly and without rhetoric, Crud–good on you. There are legitimate arguments on both sides in the current municipal strike. But to resort to insults such as the term “scab” is infantile.

By: Kimmyts

Kimmyts — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:07:26 +0000

To Crud,
I have heard that approx. 500 have crossed the line. Will they be sending a fine to 500 people? Also I am getting alot of mixed comments on the “crossing the line thing”. It is very hard to determine which comments are correct and which ones are not. I actually do not feel any father advanced than I did when I first tried to gain some info on this topic.

By: Crud

Crud — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:31:54 +0000

John, I know most of this blog is old news but I was reading through to see what comments were like. I felt compelled to advise tohose who are considering crossing the picket lines of the following.
1) They must put the request in writing to thier managers.
2) If there is work for them to do they can begin to cross the line, work and receive compensation.
3) Upon the completion of the labour dispute any and all names of those who did cross the lines would have their names forwarded to CUPE National where under the Union Charter, the crossing employee will receive a fine of up to $10,000.
4) If the employee refuses or cannot pay this fine they will lose their membership in the union thus making it illegal for the city to continue to employ them, unless of course the city promotes them to a management position

As you can see crossing the line can be treacherous for your employment and should they actually pay the fine the treatment by other staff may be difficult to bear.

In 2002 I was aware of 1 person who crossed the line, received and paid the fine and shortly thereafter had to resign because employees in her department made for a strenuous day.

By: bluegardenia

bluegardenia — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:53:02 +0000

It is so refreshing to hear someone’s well thought out analysis of the strike..and further to read something positive about the Union. I am sick and tired of ill-informed taxpayers [as well all are] spewing forth about the uneducated, unskilled, selfish, greedy 416 and 79 employees.
We are educated, we provide a lot more services in this city than just garbage, we are public health nurses, welfare workers, engineers, building inspectors, licensing clerks etc etc.
We are ALL skilled, we are all educated to varying degrees. Just as the police and firefighters…actually we are more educated.
Secondly, let me say this…while I sympathize with those who are out on strike I have NO sympathy for anyone who would cross the line. If you are going to lose your home after missing ONE paycheck then you are in serious trouble that has little to do with the strike. I am disgusted by those who have already crossed the line and watch while their co workers stay out…fighting for them to achieve the best possible collective agreement. I wish there was a way we could just cut those people loose of the union altogether and let them negotiate their own salaries and benefits. Good luck with that. You are scabs and you are disgusting.

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:12:54 +0000

Thanks John

I’m tried of hearing all of the blame being put on the City workers.

However, the media doesn’t seem to be help out the workers.

I think someone like yourself should try and get this informaion out to the public.

We are a one income family as well with 3 children and believe me we don’t want and can’t afford to be off work. How is this going to help Ontario through a recession when people start to loss their cars, homes etc.

I think people need to realize that not all City employees are for this strike but what choice do they have. NONE

By: Kimmyts

Kimmyts — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:45:18 +0000

thanks for the # john, will give it a try

By: John Laforet

John Laforet — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:51:42 +0000

On it’s way Cynyi

John

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:47:02 +0000

This is not just a garbage strike.

The East York Kiwanis pool was closed all last summer due to a poor choice of a CONTRACTED company that the CITY MANAGEMENT chose which ended up going out of business and therefore didn’t complete the job.

From the sounds of it-it won’t be open again this summer.

Privatization isn’t as good as some of you seem to make it out to be.

By: cynyi

cynyi — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:24:55 +0000

Hi John,

I want to know more information on crossing the picket line. Could you pls email my the number as well?

Thanks
Cynyi

By: John Laforet

John Laforet — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:30:18 +0000

Kimmyts – I have a number for your husband to call for more information on crossing the picket line.

I will email it to you now.

John