Councillor Shelley Carroll

Find out the latest news and upcoming events in your neighborhood. Politics, news, views, and links from Ward 33 Councillor Shelley Carroll.

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

CUPE Job Action Expected at Midnight Wednesday

The City's media release below will explain what we know so far. Works staff are working on information regarding Garbage drop-offs but in Ward 33, this will not be an issue until next week.

I would add that residents should remember that our own Ward 33 staff will be on duty, as well as Access Toronto, to answer your questions. Keep your ears to the radio and eyes on the papers for updates on City and School Board Services.

City Manager, Shirley Hoy has already made the City's formal presentation to the Queen's Park Standing Committee, suggesting a delay and consideration of a number of amendments to Bill 206 concerning Omers reform. However, the Bill received third reading today so we hope that some resolution between the Province and CUPE can be reached. Read the release below:

News Release

February 21, 2006

Notice to residents concerning CUPE dispute with province

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (Ontario) has today confirmed that job action may begin as early as 12:01 a.m. Thursday, February 23, 2006.

While the dispute is between the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the Province of Ontario, job action may unfortunately affect the availability of some City services. The City will endeavour to continue service wherever possible. The City has successfully negotiated a protocol with CUPE Local 79 where an agreement is in place to ensure uninterrupted services such as City run child care, parks, forestry and recreation programs, etc. The City is discussing a protocol with CUPE Local 416 to ensure continued service.

In the event of a CUPE job action, the City and CUPE Local 79 have reached agreement on a protocol to provide CUPE Local 79 members pre-approved time off for a one day only OMERS protest. Local 79 has committed that they will not disrupt the continued delivery of City services and that there will be no picketing by its members at any sites owned or operated by the City.

In the event of a CUPE job action, all staff, except those whose absence has been previously approved, will be expected and are required to follow their regular work schedules and report to work.

As the precise nature of the potential job action remains unknown, it is not possible for the city to provide a definitive list of services that will be operating or unavailable. Residents should verify the availability of services and expect possible delays when attending at a City facility. If a job action occurs, the City of Toronto website www.toronto.ca will be updated with available information. Residents may also phone Access Toronto at 416-338-0338.

The City of Toronto has requested that the government withdraw Bill 206 and initiate a process for reform that ensures OMERS is financially sound and prudently managed, cost effective, equitable and accountable for the benefit of all stakeholders. Mayor Miller has written to Premier McGuinty about this matter.