Transit Shutdown is now over.
Queen’s Park’s legislation forcing TTC Workers back on the job has passed in historic Sunday session. Opposition parties expressed their reservations with the bill, including NDP Leader Howard Hampton saying, “Essential service is a different topic for another day.” Toronto Transit has released a statement suggesting that service could be up and running by 7 pm tonight. TTC Chair Adam Giambrone says it’ll be closer to 8-9 pm. We are already getting some reports of resumption on the streetcar routes. Either way, the Midnight Madness is over, and everyone will have a normal morning commute into work.
This concludes our live blogging of the TTC Strike 2008. We hope you’ve enjoyed our up-to-the-minute coverage. Be sure to watch Global News tonight at 6 and 11 for a complete wrap-up of these historic events and of course, we’ll continue keeping you updated through globaltvontario.com.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our coverage.
—–
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Latest from Jackson Proskow
5:19 PM
Some streetcars have now resumed service on Queen Street. There are also streetcars being repositioned for service in the Eastern Avenue car yard.
Latest from Leslie Roberts
3:54 PM
Just reached Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair. He says he has been in contact with City officials since walkout Friday and he has not been asked for any extra presence on the return to work tonight or tomorrow. Chief Blair says he doesn’t anticipate any problems as there were no major incidents over the weekend involving TTC property or strikers.
Latest from Transit Union
3:42 PM
The Union at the centre of the Transit Strike has released a statement. It appears this is all we’ll be getting from Bob Kinnear today:
The union that represents 9,000 operating and maintenance workers of the Toronto
Transit Commission will end the strike called at midnight on Friday in compliance with back-to-work legislation passed today by the Ontario legislature.
“We would have preferred a negotiated settlement that addressed the reasons why the previous TTC offer was rejected so strongly by our members,” said ATU Local 113 President Bob Kinnear.
“We made several proposals to the TTC on Saturday but all of them were turned down because they knew we would be legislated back to work.
“We agree, however, with the appointment of Mr. Kevin Burkett as the arbitrator in this case. Mr. Burkett has an outstanding reputation as an impartial and thorough arbitrator and we believe we
will get a fair hearing.”
Kinnear has called all his members by phone to advise them that the strike is now over and that they can report to work as early as today if they have had the proper rest and can perform their duties safely.
The union will be making no more public statements today as it is working to ensure an orderly return of full service in time for the Monday morning rush hour.
Kinnear will be consulting closely with his members in the days to come to discuss the events of the past week and prepare for the arbitration process.
“We are a democratic union and that is our greatest strength,” Kinnear says. “We encourage diversity of opinion but it is important that we ultimately come together on issues of vital importance to us all. We have always done so in the past and we will do so again.”
Latest from TTC
3:30 PM
Toronto Transit Commission has released a statement (which was sent at 2:15 pm) reiterating the resumption of service:
“With the passage of back-to-work legislation today at Queen’s Park, the Toronto Transit
Commission is pleased to announce that service will resume later today, with full rush-hour service running Monday morning.
The TTC has contacted all of its employees. Those who were scheduled for a shift this afternoon are being asked to report to work. It will take the TTC approximately three to four hours to
bring the service up to safe, normal operating standards. (ED: This should have the transit system up and running by 6-7 pm). The TTC has every faith that the women and men who move this city will do so with professionalism.
Some customers may experience delays early in the process of restoring service. The TTC acknowledges the frustration and inconvenience everyone has faced since Friday evening, and is
working hard to restore service as quickly as possible. The TTC also requests the public to please remember that TTC employees have a right to be treated with dignity. The TTC’s chief concern is safety – both for its customers and its workers. “
Latest from Sean Mallen (Queen’s Park)
2:53 PM
I’m trying to find out how much it cost to recall the Legislature on this Sunday afternoon. Speaker Steve Peters says he’s not sure, but believes the costs are relatively minimal because many of the staff who had to work today…ie political aides… don’t get overtime. He did say it was a skeleton staff of the legislature. If I get a number, I’ll pass it along.
Latest from Sean Mallen (Queen’s Park)
2:28 PM
Royal Assent has now been given by the Lieutenant Governor. TTC Strike is now illegal.
Latest from Sean Mallen (Queen’s Park)
2:18 PM
In another unique and bizarre twist. The Royal Assent signature will happen at the Air Canada Centre. The Clerk of the House is en-route to the arena to meet Lieutenant Governor David Onley where he is taking in the Toronto Rock Lacrosse Game.
Latest from Jackson Proskow (City Hall)
2:10 PM
Awaiting Media conference from Mayor David Miller and TTC Chair Adam Giambrone. They will comment on the back-to-work legislation at 3 PM just outside the Mayor’s Office.
Latest from Sean Mallen (Queen’s Park)
2:01 PM
Back to work legislation passes in the House. Royal Assent expected shortly from Lieutenant Governor.
Latest from Sean Mallen (Queen’s Park)
1:11 PM
Change of plans from Premier’s office. Premier McGuinty will now be introducing the bill regarding back to work legislation this afternoon at 1:30pm and not Labour Minister Brad Duguid.
Latest from Sean Mallen (Queen’s Park)
1:02 PM
Premier’s office says proceedings should last less than an hour. They have to do the prayer, plus the official introduction of the ‘back-to-work’ bill. Each party gets ten minutes to speak to the Legislation. Then they have to vote on first, second and third readings.
Labour Minister Brad Duguid will be speaking for the government in a news conference immediately following the proceedings as will the opposition parties. (Ed: We’ll upload that video as soon as it becomes available).
We’ll let you know as soon as the Lieutenant Governor signs the bill and effectively delcares the strike illegal. As we reported yesterday: Penalties for defiance are $2000 per day for individuals and $25,000 per day for Union or employer. A “mediator/arbitrator” will settle matters still in dispute, with no appeal. The Mediator/Arbitrator has to consider the ability of the TTC and the City of Toronto to pay, as well as the current economic situation in the City and Province.
Latest from Jackson Proskow (City Hall)
12:06 PM
There is no sign of Union President Bob Kinnear. On this second day of the strike, he remains in hiding. His voicemail is full, his office is locked and empty, and his press secretary is not returning phone calls. Kinnear has not spoken publically since his members went on strike. Last night he refused reporters requests to speak.
Latest from Jackson Proskow (City Hall)
11:32 AM
Assuming back-to-work legislation is passed on time, the TTC says first service should be back up by about 7pm tonight and full service by Monday morning. The TTC is already notifying its staff they will have to return to the job immediately after the legislation is passed. TTC Officials are expressing serious concern about public retaliation against it’s members and are in talks with police about providing a contingency plan for the morning rush. Essentially, they’re asking for extra security and traffic management.
Latest from Sean Mallen (Queen’s Park)
10:58 AM
It appears we won’t be hearing from the Premier following this afternoon’s proceedings at the Legislature. The Liberals have sent out a release saying Labour Minister Brad Duguid will be handling all media availabilities following the emergency session of Parliament to table the back-to-work Legislation.
—–
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Our reporters were criss-crossing the city all-day providing up to the minute reports.
Latest from Jackson Proskow (Negotiation HQ)
6:28:49 PM
The TTC and it’s Union have broken off talks. They will now wait for the back to work Legislation.
In a statement to the media they do suggest that they WILL be prepared to resume service on Monday:
“The Toronto Transit Commission is anxious to get back to work and resume service for the 1.5 million people who use the TTC everyday.
The TTC met with the Ministry of Labour this afternoon. It then heard from the Amalgamated Transit Union, through the Ministry of Labour, and a considerable number of amendments to the already-negotiated settlement were proposed to end the strike. The TTC considered these demands, but they were significantly different from, and more expensive than what was tentatively agreed to last Sunday. The union was informed of this; they then indicated no further discussion would be productive.
The provincial government will now consider legislation, tomorrow, to end the strike. If the legislation passes, the TTC plans to resume regular rush-hour service Monday morning.
The Toronto Transit Commission requests the public to please remember that TTC employees have a right to be treated with dignity. The TTC shares the public’s frustration with the lack of TTC service this weekend; however, its workers’ safety is paramount. “
Latest from Sean Mallen (Queen’s Park)
5:44 PM
NDP approves back-to-work legislation. It is expected to pass tomorrow (Sunday) in an emergency session of Parliament.
Latest from Sean Mallen (Queen’s Park)
5:30 PM
Source in Premier’s Office says the Legislation will take effect as soon as it receives Royal Assent. Penalties for defiance are $2000 per day for individuals and $25,000 per day for Union or employer. A “mediator/arbitrator” will settle matters still in dispute, with no appeal. The Mediator/Arbitrator has to consider the ability of the TTC and the City of Toronto to pay, as well as the current economic situation in the City and Province.
I’m told the opposition has been given copies of the Bill and will be getting a technical briefing from Ministry of Labour officials any minute now.
Latest from Jackson Proskow (Negotiation HQ)
4:58 PM
The two sides were ordered back to the bargaining table less than 12 hours after unionized employees walked off the job.
There was no comment from the Union today on its surprise decision to strike, and the T.T.C.’s General Manager is not optimistic talks would end the labour disruption.
The Transit Commission and city say they were caught completely off guard by the job action, after previous union promises to give 48 hours notice of a strike.
Mayor David Miller says, “We’ve all been very badly let down.”
While the Province works on back-to-work Legislation that will be tabled at Queen’s Park tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 P.M, the talks continue, but no one seems to think a deal will happen.
The reasons for Friday’s surprise contract rejection are still not clear but sources tell Global News the Union is deeply split and the strike may have been orchestrated by union members seeking to embarrass or oust ATU President Bob Kinnear.
Kinnear did not make himself available to comment on Saturday, but in a statement issued late Friday night, he said members walked off the job to avoid assaults from an angry public.
Getting the TTC back on the road now hinges on talks but the more likely solution is back-to-work Legislation.
Even if that passes there is no guarantee that TTC service will be back in place for Monday.
According to TTC Chair Adam Giambrone, “If the parties were to cooperate we could have service by Monday, but more realistically it’s Tuesday.”
Latest from Sean Mallen (Queen’s Park)
3:28 PM
As we await reaction from the NDP and PC Party on the back to work legislation. (It will be given to them at 5:30 PM), an interesting piece of trivia for you:
The Clerk is not aware of the Legislature ever being recalled for a Sunday sitting.
The Legislature has sat on a Sunday before. The last time was April 6, 1997 during the City of Toronto Act in which the legislature sat for 9 days in a row including a Sunday.
Also a quorum for a legislative sitting is 12 members, including Speaker.
But all three parties expect substantial turnout tomorrow.
Latest from Jackson Proskow (at Negotiation HQ):
3:03 PM
Still waiting for a statement from the TTC Union. Negotiations are ongoing.
Latest from Sean Mallen (at Queen’s Park):
2:50 PM
The Premier has now released a written statement. Sounds like this is all we’ll be getting from the Liberals today. Doesn’t look like they’ll be putting up anyone on camera.
Statement by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty
“Last evening, I received a request from Mayor Miller to proceed with back to work legislation to end service disruption with the TTC. I gave the Mayor my assurance that we would proceed with legislation at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Ontario Legislature will meet on Sunday at 1:30 pm so that a back to work bill can be introduced. We will move the back to work legislation through the legislative process as quickly as possible. And we hope to gain support of all parties to ensure that TTC service is restored quickly for the families and businesses of Toronto.”
Latest from Mike Drolet:
2:25 PM
Despite earlier rumours, there are no pickets at Hillcrest Yard or Roncesvalles.
Latest from Sean Mallen (at Queen’s Park):
2:05 PM
NDP Leader Howard Hampton says he won’t commit to passing the ‘back to work’ bill immediately until he sees it.
The Opposition parties will be getting a briefing on the bill at 5:30 pm.
Hampton promising to make statement sometime today on the bill…probably won’t be until tonight. Says he’s hopeful parties can still settle, given that they’re back at the table.
Source in the Premier’s office says it’ll be a “clean” piece of legislation, with no surprises.
It would provide for an arbitrated settlement.
PC Leader John Tory suggests there should be an “ability to pay” clause in bill…ie requiring arbitrator to take into account city’s finances. This is because arbitrated settlements tend to be richer for workers. But Tory suggests that would not hold up the bill.
One other point: Premier’s office source says NDP could in theory delay passage by 5 sessional days if it so chooses.
Latest from Sean Mallen (at Queen’s Park):
1:15 PM
NDP Leader Howard Hampton speaks to reporters on front steps of the legislature at 1:30. Even with majority government, all party consent is needed for quick passage of back to work legislation. NDP traditionally has not given immediate passage to this kind of legislation, so there’s heavy pressure on Hampton.
PC Leader John Tory has already said his party will cooperate to get the bill passed immediately.
Latest from Lauren McNabb:
12:52 PM
Toronto FC hires a shuttle bus for fans to get to this afternoon’s game.
Excerpt from release:
“Starting at 2 p.m. the Toronto FC Double Decker Bus begins with a stop at Jack Astors’ on Front and University and will continue on heading west on King Street to the following locations: Elephant and Castle, Wheat Sheaf, Foggy Dew and Shoeless Joes. The bus will likely make two loops prior to kick off at 3:30p.m. “
Latest from Sean Mallen (at Queen’s Park):
12:23 PM
Legislature will sit Sunday at 1:30 pm.
So far neither the Premier nor Labour Minister Brad Duguid are speaking today.
Conservative leader John Tory to speak at 1:15 pm this afternoon.
Still waiting on the NDP.They’re promising a statement.
Latest from Jackson Proskow (at Negotiation HQ):
12:19 PM
Union has postponed any promised media conference. They are back at the table with a Provincial Mediator.
Latest from Rob Leth:
12:01 PM
The Green Living Show is taking place at the Direct Energy Centre and even though many people chose to walk or ride their bikes, others were forced to drive their cars. Kinda defeats the purpose.
Latest from Mike Drolet:
11:45 AM
Just spoke to the mayor. He says Essential Service declaration isn’t a priority right now. He seems angry. Homeless man asked the Mayor for money. Miller responded by saying “I haven’t got a nickel today”.
Latest from Jackson Proskow (at Negotiation HQ):
11:40 AM
TTC General Manager Gary Webster… Says he’s disapointed and worried about TTC employees when this is over :
“When this is all over they’re going to have to go back to work and deal with a public that isn’t very happy with them”
Webster says he was caught totally off guard.
Will be a media conference this afternoon with Mayor David Miller and TTC Chair, Adam Giambrone.
—–
Saturday, April 26, 2008
12:27:05 AM
The 8,900 hundred members of the TTC Workers Union are now on strike as of midnight Saturday.
65% of workers voted against the contract and employees have been told not to come into work Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Labour mediators are calling officials of of the Amalgamated Transit Union and the Toronto Transit Commission back to the bargaining table at 1:00 p.m., Saturday.
The Mayor addressed the city at 11:30 pm Friday night saying:
He is “extremely disappointed.” That the strike is unacceptable and unnecessairy and that the agreement negotiated was fair and reasonable
“ATU promised 48 hrs notice of any strike. I spoke to Mr. Kinnear and asked that he honour this commitment. He refused. Unacceptable. ”
David Miller has requested the Province introduce back to work legislation, and that the Premier agreed. However any legislation would require legislature approval – Something that may not happen until Monday.
Miller reiterated the Ministry of Labour’s request to return to the negotiating table at 1 pm Saturday.
There is a contingency plan effective 7:00 am Monday morning.
The Mayor added he’s asking Torontonians to help each other and that he doesn’t think a negotiated settlement is likely, rather only back to work legislation will end the strike.
“I don’t think these actions are defensable’
(We will upload that interview as soon as it becomes available).
Statement from Union head Bob Kinnear:
“We have assessed the situation and decided that we will not expose our members to the dangers of assaults from angry and irrational members of the public,” said Bob Kinnear, ATU Local 113 President.
The reports from our members of increases in threats and abuse from passengers last weekend, after we gave our original 48-hours’ notice, has left us no choice but to withdraw our services immediately. We have a legal responsibility to protect the safety of our members and so does the TTC.”
“We have informed the TTC and the Ministry of Labour of this development. “Our Executive will be meeting on Saturday morning to determine our next steps.”
The union will be conducting a media conference following its executive board meeting on Saturday.
Statement from Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty:
“Shortly after 11 pm I received a request from Mayor Miller to proceed with back to work legislation at the first available opportunity to end service disruption with the TTC. I informed the Mayor that we will be proceeding with back to work legislation at the first available opportunity.”
Stay with Global News for the very latest on this story.
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