Toronto Outlines Strike Shutdown Plans

....If members and non-union office staff refuse to do so will their salaries be reduced?I also see that if island ferry is not running arrangements will be made for island squatters. If TTC goes on strike, legal or wildcat, what alternative arrangements are made for commuters?

Wednesday June 17, 2009

CityNews.ca Staff

It's a double walkout that could leave Toronto paralyzed.

There are only a few days to go before a possible Monday strike that could see the city's two main unions walk off the job. There's reportedly been little progress on the main sticking points, which include arguments over banking sick days.

CUPE Local 416, sometimes called the outside workers, is responsible for things like garbage collection, park maintenance, paramedics and more. The inside workers, repped by CUPE Local 79, take care of daycares, licensing and permits.

In the event of a strike, some services - like paramedics and those who look after seniors - will be maintained, often on a reduced basis.

But just about everything else - with the exception of firefighters, police and the TTC - will disappear.

"If there is a labour disruption we are asking that residents and businesses be patient until a resolution is reached," pleads City Manager Joe Pennachetti. "There will be interruptions to our daily lives, but the plan the city has prepared means that many critical services will continue."

If a walkout takes place, residents will lose access to services they sometimes take for granted, most especially garbage collection.

The City has now outlined its contingency plans in the event worse comes to worst, while hoping it doesn't go that far.

Among the highlights:

Garbage Collection

The big one for just about everybody.

If the strike happens, all garbage collection and recycling will be cancelled, except in Etobicoke, which contracts out the service. You'll be asked to stop using the green bin until the strike ends and if any disruption lasts longer than five days, the City will announce garbage drop off points or you can bring your bags to several transfer stations.

Officials are urging residents not to drop off trash in alleys, parks or on sidewalks, which took place during the last strike in 2002. That walkout set off a sort of garbage disposal mania amongst some residents desperate to get rid of their refuse.

Day Cares

This is the effect that could leave many parents at a loss. All Toronto run day cares will be shut down. Find a full list of the facilities affected here.

City officials know it will be a hardship for thousands of families.

"We want to try to give as much warning to residents and to parents, especially the day cares, so they have a little bit of a warning as to what may occur," explains Pennachetti. "This is about all we can do ... In terms of daycare, we have little control over ... those situations."

Parking Permits

If the inside workers walk, say goodbye to getting permission to do anything, including building permits, zoning changes, or inspections. And parking permits won't be available, but if you get caught in a space you shouldn't be in because you couldn't get permission, your ticket will be cancelled.

But if you've been fined and owe money for a parking ticket now, your deadline won't be extended and you'll still be expected to pay up.

Wedding Chapels

Got a civil ceremony planned? As long as there's no love lost between the union and the City, you won't be able to say your 'I do's' at any of Toronto's wedding chapels located in Scarborough, East York and York civic centres. But Toronto City Hall will be open for the labours of love during regular business hours from Monday to Saturday. Only scheduled ceremonies at the North York Civic Centre will take place and no new bookings will be accepted during a strike.

City Parks

Will be open only for casual use but things like tennis courts, golf courses and outdoor sports fields will all be closed. There will be no maintenance for the duration of a strike. City-run wading and swimming pools will also be closed but some splash pads on timers will remain open.

The City also promises to maintain water quality, have animal services personnel available for emergencies, and insists it still hopes a solution can be reached before a strike takes place.

"We want a settlement. We want a negotiated settlement. Nobody wants a strike and that's all I can say at this point," admits the City Manager. "At the end of the day, if it happens, it all depends on how lengthy it is. And we really believe that at this point in time, we'll have a negotiated settlement."

But if not and to see the complete list of all the City's plans, click here. Find the list by category here. Or you can get more specific information at Access Toronto at (416) 338-0338.