Two views of collective "bargaining"

Châtellerault, France

Workers Thursday renewed a threat to blow up New Fabris after failing to win a pay-off from carmaker Renault SA, a key former client, Agence France-Presse reported.

http://blogs.wsj.com/bankruptcy/2009/07/17/french-workers-use-explosive-tactics

and Chicago..

Mayor Richard Daley's administration today laid off more than 400 city workers after two unions did not agree to cost-cutting measures before a 5 p.m. deadline.

"Unfortunately, it's clear there won't be an agreement," said mayoral spokeswoman Jacquelyn Heard. "Today is their last day on the city payroll."

Jack Hurley, recording secretary at Teamsters Local 726, which will lose 141 drivers, said it was "unfortunate that it had to come to this."

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/07/daley-doesnt-pull-trigger-on-city-layoffs-extends-deadline.html?obref=obinsite

Future of the Labour Movement?

I am concerned that the longer this strike goes on that permanent damage will be done to the labour movement in Canada. CUPE has been on the wrong side of the public relations battle since Day 1 and the City has been controlling the message. The number of complaints against unions and collective bargaining in general seem to be increasing.

Neither the public or for that matter some of those on strike appear to understand the key issues.

I believe the strike was an ill advised strategic move and all of this delay nonsense only serves to create enormous ill will.

I found this on the CUPE 79 website-- it is a bit of a read but you can get an idea of what the issues are.

http://www.cupelocal79.org

CUPE really needs a simplified, direct and consistent message as to why they are on strike. I would immediately advise against further attempts to delay the public from dropping off trash. All thuggery of any type needs to stop-- it is counter productive to your cause.

I would shift the focus from garbage to the myriad of services the City provides--- public health, inspections, animal services. If I was a CUPE member on strike I would be furious at the leadership for how things have been handled to date.

Final thought for today, concessions for a strong union are not necessarily the end of the world. Wages and benefits need to be able to respond to economic conditions.

"Don't make us go after the elderly."

I couldn't figure out at first if this was a spoof twitter account but after careful review it does seem to be written by someone supporting CUPE. With friends like that who needs enemies?

We tried garbage, we tried taking away things from kids... yet the city still functions? Don't make us go after the elderly. Support 416!

http://twitter.com/local416

UPDATE: From the Official 416 website

Local416 Twitter Impersonatoion [sic]

We have had many inquiries about the Local 416 twitter account. The twitter site is not run by are [sic] Local and we are working to have it removed.

Mother Nature not supporting the strike

One reason that we have now gone 17 days with this strike is the unusually cool Summer weather. Really-- we have hardly broken 30 yet. At some point true Summer weather will kick in and that garbage will really cook. Not for the next week or so tho.

14 Day Trend: Toronto, Ontario - The Weather Network

Zoom out for a moment...

and look at the bigger picture.

More like ripples

The Globe headlines reads "Waves of staff walk across picket line". Well I don't know if I would call 248 out of 24,000 exactly a wave. I wouldn't be surprised if the number steadily increases over time as:

a. workers understand better what their options are regarding returning to work
b. those living paycheck to paycheck feel the pinch
c. some will decide ideologically not to continue

imo this is one of the worst scenarios as this will create long standing resentments after the strike ends. Pressure should be put on both CUPE and City Management to find some common ground before this type of damage increases and more find themselves between a financial rock and a hard place. Not everyone has enough reserves, credit or family resources to stay out even if they agree with the demands. I believe strike pay is $40 a day to a max of $200 a week. Hardly enough to live on without additional support.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/waves-of-staff-walk-across-picket-lines/article1202898/

"Education"

Explain to me how this advances anything? It is clear no "education" took place and strikers seem to yuck it up over her situation. Apparently they have a "right" to detain people for 5-10 minutes. Sorry I don't get the point. That showdown simply seems abusive. They don't know her or her circumstances.

Recent City Contract Settlements

Looks like 3% increases were the norm. COTAPSAI began the trend in the opposite direction with a 0% increase for 2009.

• Toronto Catholic School Board: 12% over 4 years (Sep 2008)
• TTC: 9% over 3 years (Oct 2008)
• Toronto Police Services: 10% over 3 years (Dec 2008)
• Toronto Hydro: 15% over 5 years (Dec 2008)
• Toronto District School Board: 12% over 4 years (Feb 2009)
• Toronto Councillors: 2.4% over 1 year (Feb 2009 – automatically renewed yearly by council vote)
• Toronto Community Housing: 9% over 3 years (Apr 2009)