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)