tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post3602276523647997826..comments2023-08-23T10:38:24.775-04:00Comments on London Civic Watch: The strike: Time to speak outUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-47712376744949544572015-07-09T20:43:51.776-04:002015-07-09T20:43:51.776-04:00It has always been popular to beat up on unionized...It has always been popular to beat up on unionized workers and this strike is no different. These so-called "progressive" city councilors are a sad joke. <br /><br />This strike was completely unnecessary and not strategic. There will be no improvement in city services if Matt Brown and his band of merry fools succeed in this. There will be no savings if staff hours are stretched over more days for longer periods. No one was demanding longer available hours. The city's demands are apropos of nothing. This strike will accomplish nothing. This city council are beating up on the workers of this city for nothing, and they're doing it in my name. It's disgusting.<br /><br />Everyone on the city's side of the bargaining team should be sent packing and the negotiations sent to arbitration.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09766978071296773313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-71024867327972358042015-07-06T18:32:02.309-04:002015-07-06T18:32:02.309-04:00Scott, thank you for the copy-and-paste job of the...Scott, thank you for the copy-and-paste job of the Municipal Elections Act which has been available for all to read online for years.<br /><br />But surely you can see there's a significant difference between planning applications by corporate interests and other city hall-related matters in the public interest of concern to citizens which are not defined by their revenue-generating potential for the individual applicant.<br /><br />In any event, you are dragging the comment thread into an area far removed from Gina's column above.<br /><br />If you have a problem with her facts about the 43-day strike or the merits of her arguments regarding same, why not elaborate on them and save the election campaign donation meanderings for another day?Joe Mazzollanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-9299999970823126742015-07-06T18:31:54.478-04:002015-07-06T18:31:54.478-04:00The public interest is not the same as private int...The public interest is not the same as private interest as you undoubtedly know. Councillors need to declare a "pecuniary" interest meaning that they or a close family member would personally benefit from a decision on a matter before the council; councillors are there to serve the public interest. Why not just give corporate entities a vote as well if it's the same as an individual with individual rights. Corporations are established to limit personal liability. Gina Barberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11996751727631968621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-25250701508216416762015-07-06T16:03:17.892-04:002015-07-06T16:03:17.892-04:00Apples to grapefruit? I respectfully disagree. It...Apples to grapefruit? I respectfully disagree. It is one instance where the corporate and individual interest are on equal footing - to a maximum of 750$ per person or entity per candidate. <br /><br /><i><br /><b>Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32, Sched.</b><br /><br />Maximum, each candidate<br />71. (1) A contributor shall not make contributions exceeding a total of $750 to any one candidate in an election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 71 (1).<br /><br />More than one office<br />(2) If a person is a candidate for more than one office, a contributor’s total contributions to him or her in respect of all the offices shall not exceed $750. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 71 (2).<br /><br />Multiple candidates<br />(2.1) A contributor shall not make contributions exceeding a total of $5,000 to two or more candidates for office on the same council or local board. 2009, c. 33, Sched. 21, s. 8 (35).<br /><br />Exception, candidates and spouses<br />(3) Subsections (1), (2) and (2.1) do not apply to contributions made to a candidate’s own election campaign by the candidate or his or her spouse. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 71 (3); 1999, c. 6, s. 43 (6); 2005, c. 5, s. 46 (6); 2009, c. 33, Sched. 21, s. 8 (36).<br /><br />Associated corporations<br />72.For the purposes of sections 66 to 82, corporations that are associated with one another under section 256 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) shall be deemed to be a single corporation. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 72.<br /></i><br /><br />And who is to say that my retail development application is any different than other unique interests that may come before a standing committee of council, be it fluoridation of municipal water (mayhaps a favourite of yours?); annual funding applications for various special interest and/or populations groups; the humane and ethical treatment of animals and associated shelter policies; the flipping of various heritage properties in the downtown; or even the disposition of extant water control structures such as the Springbank Dam?<br /><br />The aforementioned are all items of special interest that seem to perennially draw scads of people (often the same ones, perhaps even the blog author herself) to the galleries and speaker's podia at City Hall.Scottnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-55177215937755224232015-07-06T15:12:00.570-04:002015-07-06T15:12:00.570-04:00Comparing an individual's campaign donations (...Comparing an individual's campaign donations (unconnected to a business) to donations from corporate or land developers is comparing apples to grapefruit.<br /><br />No self-respecting debater would even go there.<br /><br />How many times does a year does an individual seek something specific from a standing committee of council, compared to a corporate interest such as a land developer or its agent?Joe Mazzollanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-63382506650538952792015-07-06T12:45:41.372-04:002015-07-06T12:45:41.372-04:00I know it is public knowledge.
As for your other...I know it is public knowledge. <br /><br />As for your other contributions (I wouldn't want to short-change you or your husband on your collective benevolence), I suppose I could have gone and looked for them, but seeing as they don't currently have a vote on council, the influence of said contribution today is somewhat muted. I have zero problems w/ donating to campaigns. What I do have issue with is mention that contributions from the corporate (aka the development) community always come with strings attached (I might direct you here: http://ginabarber.blogspot.ca/2011/04/hey-big-spender-who-pays-for-municipal.html for a refresher) yet somehow contributions from a social and political activist are simply for the betterment of society, fair representation and good government. Funny how that works, huh? :)<br /><br />Scottnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-46966613792534886942015-07-06T12:13:14.855-04:002015-07-06T12:13:14.855-04:00First of all this labour dispute is easy to unders...First of all this labour dispute is easy to understand once you come to grips with the fact that this is not a battle between management and its workers, it's a battle between management's vision for delivering improved public services and CUPE principles. It is unfortunate that the workers are caught in the middle but that can't be helped.<br /><br />And Jeff Fielding's earlier efforts for a 311 system failed because of the cost of implementation which was in due in part to the high cost of complying with union demands. This administration seems to want to do something similar but knows they have to get labour costs under control. <br /><br />Anyway, management gets paid to lead so lets get out of the way and let them do just that. Who knows, maybe this will lead to improved public service delivery...and what's wrong with that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-44850721661736998482015-07-06T12:13:01.146-04:002015-07-06T12:13:01.146-04:00I believe city leadership and union leadership sha...I believe city leadership and union leadership share in the inability to resolve their differences, but I just don't know where the truth lies or what side is being the most difficult. I am sure that the union is right, partially. And city administration is right, partially. It is the poor staff that are paying the price - that is the sad part for me. The animosity will linger. We all lose. Why grown adults can't sit across the table and work something like this out is baffling to me. <br /><br />Forget the rhetoric. The strike reflects poorly on senior administration AND the union leadership. <br /><br />The one thing I do like is the discipline shown by our council in the face of a difficult situation to keep their mouths shut publicly. While they do have authority over city staff, they have none over the union. Staying out of the negotiation publicly is massively difficult but commendable on their part. <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-41416359875281430022015-07-06T11:27:36.976-04:002015-07-06T11:27:36.976-04:00@Scott This is public knowledge. You missed the co...@Scott This is public knowledge. You missed the contributions to unsuccessful candidates. As a former candidate, I appreciate the need for donations to pays the costs of a campaign. It's important that individuals participate in every way that they can in their democracy: by speaking out, by working in campaigns, by donating, by providing feedback on issues and concerns in the hopes of getting fair representation and good government as a result.Gina Barberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11996751727631968621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-42282884832938172192015-07-06T11:18:44.714-04:002015-07-06T11:18:44.714-04:00I don't understand the entire argument of &quo...I don't understand the entire argument of "we don't work 9 to 5 so you should not either". Do you want to see property taxes go up to support these extra hours of work, even if it is one or two people that are there on weekends there can be a large ripple of costs associated with it. For you always need support for the people at hand including custodial, building maintenance, information technology, security, and probably others. Add in the cost of the the buildings being active themselves. Now the idea of being able to go into City Hall to pay a bill on a Saturday would be nice, but the question is would you be willing to pay the costs of having that extra service?<br /><br />If anything I think the city would be better off having more automated systems for what people want to do over the weekend and after hours for it would be a cheaper solution and that is where I think the different municipalities are headed not by extending work hours to a cost that can't be justified.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-43938591132675602642015-07-06T10:38:30.154-04:002015-07-06T10:38:30.154-04:00Just so we can keep track:
"Maybe I was too ...Just so we can keep track:<br /><br /><i>"Maybe I was too busy, maybe I wanted to give the new council, many of whom I supported during their election campaigns, a chance to find their sea legs."</i><br /><br />Mayor:<br />Gina Barber 750$<br />James Barber 750$<br /><br />Ward 3:<br />James Barber 500$<br /><br />Ward 9:<br />Gina Barber 750$<br />James Barber 750$<br /><br />Ward 10:<br />Gina Barber 250$<br />James Barber 250$<br /><br />Ward 11: <br />Gina Barber 250$<br />James Barber 250$<br /><br />And you thought only the evil development community wielded their influence at council.Scottnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-34549663248826297022015-07-06T09:32:58.610-04:002015-07-06T09:32:58.610-04:00Thanks, Gina. Your blog was very enlightening.
It...Thanks, Gina. Your blog was very enlightening.<br /><br />It looks like the city has been subjected to a totally unnecessary strike for the sake of some empire building.<br /><br />Tragic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-43836556337410067642015-07-06T08:20:57.061-04:002015-07-06T08:20:57.061-04:00DAY 43: This unnecessary strike has set the City o...DAY 43: This unnecessary strike has set the City of London back five years in the labour relations department. Maybe longer. <br /><br />Take the City's bizarre concessionary demands off the table and I strongly suspect CUPE Local 101 would have settled for the minimal raises offered. The City's management has created a crisis when none existed.<br />Art and Veronicahttp://www.london.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-53551047048140574482015-07-05T23:56:31.555-04:002015-07-05T23:56:31.555-04:00But Gina, Are you saying the City has treated it&#...But Gina, Are you saying the City has treated it's fire fighters any better than it is treating it's inside workers. I see a lot of parallels. <br />The City is treating all it's employee groups with the same disrespect.<br />For example, the fire fighters have been without a contract since Dec. 31 2010. <br />And, the fire fighters won't likely have a contract signed until it is literally 7 years overdue.<br />If you look back at the history of the London Firefighters, I believe that the city has NEVER negotiated and signed a contract prior to the expiration of the old contract since Fire Fighters lost the right to strike in 1997.<br />Prior the that, it was normal to have a new contract negotiated and signed prior to the expiration of the old contract. <br />Prior to that, there was decades of history linking and comparing Police wages to Fire fighter wages. So you would think it would be really simple for the City to offer the Fire Fighters the exact same package it was offering to the Police. Be that a wage increase, or decrease. But no, the city wants no part of a timely negotiated contract. Why? Because they save a lot of money earning interest on the wages not paid during the 5 to 7 years it takes to get a 3 year contract signed through the arbitration process.<br />Matt Brown says he needs a made in London solution and doesn't want arbitration.<br />Then why is he telling the fire fighters the exact opposite. That they need arbitration and are not willing to negotiate a contract.<br />Seems the City of London stopped negotiating in good faith with their fire fighters somewhere around 1997 when someone had the bright idea that not negotiated could be a profitable idea. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-64096099771307212352015-07-05T23:56:14.602-04:002015-07-05T23:56:14.602-04:009 to 5 jobs are a thing of the past yet you have t...9 to 5 jobs are a thing of the past yet you have to take time off work if you want to do anything at City Hall....because you work a 9 to 5 job, lmao.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-79039244503611088762015-07-05T22:13:17.483-04:002015-07-05T22:13:17.483-04:00Just the facts! The city established a service r...Just the facts! The city established a service review group. Barber is right even noticing employees were included,! New management employees excluded even though millions saved. The facts and business <br />case on the table doesn't apply to management!!!! SILENCE BY COUNCILORS is contrary to fair play and their commitment to all citizens. They should answers to the facts raised by Barber! Right or wrong? Billboy Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-57143310068030200302015-07-05T21:41:31.466-04:002015-07-05T21:41:31.466-04:00Look around people, most of our large companies ar...Look around people, most of our large companies are gone to the south because of the unions and even the ones that are still here in London do not do business as they did before. Most work all shifts if they have the work and now if you want a pension then what you put in, the company matches it. No one is continually getting a free ride anymore. I think and most people think that the new council is doing great and as far as Matt, he is on the other side of the fence now and as one of my old boss said, that was then and this is now. Suck it up buttercup and go back to work. You will never get the money back you lost.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-49391314375884958502015-07-05T20:46:42.381-04:002015-07-05T20:46:42.381-04:00A great comment.A great comment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-5280661443078774652015-07-05T19:07:59.463-04:002015-07-05T19:07:59.463-04:00Its a new world out there people 9 to 5 jobs are a...Its a new world out there people 9 to 5 jobs are a thing of the pass. I can see my dentist, doctor and even shop everyday of the week and most nights till at least 8 but if I want to do anything at city hall I have to take time off work. I was working retail when Sunday shopping came in. Everyone was up in arms and yet today it is a normal and no one gives it a second thought. It really is not the big deal your life will not end if you have to work after 4:30 or even a Saturday or Sunday you will just have different times off. As for the dangers and child care many people work down town and have the same problem and they make much less. In someway it will make down town safer the more hardworking honest people down town the less likely the rif raf will hang around. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-45136191707578821222015-07-05T18:36:07.277-04:002015-07-05T18:36:07.277-04:00Gina should know what she is talking about in reg...Gina should know what she is talking about in regards to how council SHOULD work. London wanted a change hence the new council, but is it worth it?<br />Matt seems to be more interested in being in front of a camera than he does "valuing" the employees (and the public) and getting them back to work. It's funny isn't it, it is okay to be in a union when it pleases you as it has gotten you to where you are and now you and all the other councillors sit on the sidelines of this tug of war. Councillors should have a voice as the public voted them in, but they have to stand behind Matt as their spokesman?<br />Most people on the blogs are always stating how the employees will never make their money up, don't you think they were aware of this when they voted to strike? Obviously it has nothing to do with that, it is.more based on principle and the respect they want of their employer for the work they do for the public.<br />It is amazing that everyone is more focused on the fact of the wages of the employees but not management, as the public also pays them. Does no one see the sunshine list and how that has increasingly grown throughout the years. I heard there is approximately one manager to two employees, why is this the case? One teacher deals with twenty to thirty CHILDREN........don't you think the public and London as a whole can find savings in this area?<br />"Let's get serious" and end this as I am sure these employees want to get back to work and clean up all the mounting work that needs to get done!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13414430057536498135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-87121630880337765792015-07-05T15:53:01.253-04:002015-07-05T15:53:01.253-04:00Hard working truck driver...oxymoron isn't it?...Hard working truck driver...oxymoron isn't it?<br />Its funny when people who are educated and have a higher education they are deemed to be lazy! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-26306784527058849802015-07-05T15:48:27.518-04:002015-07-05T15:48:27.518-04:00Some of these comments are very one sided and obvi...Some of these comments are very one sided and obviously written by union-haters, who are people who don't understand how unions in Canada have historically improved the working conditions of all working people, including private sector workers. Local 101 needs to stand strong and continue to fight for a contract that contains NO concessions. Workers need to move forward, not backwards. <br /><br />Thank you Gina for writing a very insightful and factual blog for those of us who didn't know what's been going on. Jennnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-12420834352280532772015-07-05T11:58:03.910-04:002015-07-05T11:58:03.910-04:00Gina Barber, thank you for creating a one sided vi...Gina Barber, thank you for creating a one sided view of greed.<br /><br />As for matt, rookies and remaining Counsellors thank God, they understand their position at City Hall.<br /><br />Gina, enjoy the summer, maybe create another great read after City Manager Art Zuidema puts his stamp of approval, and steers London into a brighter future.<br />Tuckernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-32919895170939506552015-07-05T11:30:54.763-04:002015-07-05T11:30:54.763-04:00Gina, over the years I have learned that it is bes...Gina, over the years I have learned that it is best to remain silent on the sideline unless you have some constructive advice which will lead to the quick r3esolution of the problem.<br /><br />It is time that the people of London took ownership of the problem which has been imposed on the Inside workers. Clearly the union is not moving to alleviate their pain. The City seems focused on sustaining the power of some senior executives.<br /><br />I disagree that it is the fault of the new councilors; similarly, we cannot accuse the "seasoned" councilors of ineffective leadership. Matt will not like it, but I lay the problem at his fee. He was elected the Mayor of all the People of London. As a former member of a union, a militant and aggressive union, he must feel more than a little remorse of his apparent inaction. It is time to clear the clutter off the table. Cut the crap out and reduce the rhetoric to what really matter --no more than 3 issues--start where the agreement is closest and more to more important. <br /><br />I never perceived the Mayor as someone who would revel in another's pain and suffering. Matt it is Time!.<br />Colin Hendrynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460062076455326962.post-5443381563608179152015-07-05T11:15:58.414-04:002015-07-05T11:15:58.414-04:00Dave. Our new elected council should speak up and ...Dave. Our new elected council should speak up and replace the City Manager and Chief Human Resources Officer. End of problem.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com