Cops on strike?
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10-22-2005, 08:04 PM
#7
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The Edge had the details of what they are fighting about, but I don't remember the details. I definetely agreed with them... IMO they were getting screwed with the new offer. Lets face it they have a shitty job, and noone likes them. Had something to do with them losing benefits, and a few other things, so as far as I'm concerned, they have a good reason. I'll PM gldwngr. Maybe he knows.
10-23-2005, 12:10 AM
#11
http://www.pulse24.com/News/Top_Stor...1-006/page.asp
Thousands of police officers have voted unanimously in favour of job action to support their contract demands.
“We're not asking for the moon," said Dave Wilson, Pres., of Toronto Police Services Assn.
"We're asking for a fair contract. We could do it in a day and have this over. They're not prepared to do that. They haven't met with us or reached out to us."
As an essential service, cops can’t legally strike. So they’re looking for other ways to let the city know they’re unhappy about not having a contract since December 31st.
A refusal to hand out parking tickets is just one possible way Toronto Police could show their displeasure.
They may also wear ball caps to show their anger, and could stage an all out work slowdown that would see them responding only to true emergencies.
Talks broke down last month after a mediator failed to reach a settlement between the two sides.
Two major issues remain on the table between the union and the Police Services Board – working hours and retention pay.
The Board, which includes Mayor David Miller and chair Pam McConnell, is apparently asking that officers work 3.5 more hours per month – hours it alleges they’re already getting paid for under the current structure.
The Association charges that they’ve misrepresented the issue, and that it would mean officers being forced to work on their days off for free.
The other issue, retention pay, involves a reduction in the amount currently devoted to keeping officers in Toronto.
Retention pay was introduced three years ago as a way to keep cops in the city, rather than leaving for police services in other parts of the province.
The Board believes retention is no longer an issue, and wants to reduce the amount committed to it. The Association feels without the extra money, the force will begin losing officers again.
A final sticking point is that of wages - Toronto cops complain that the current offer would only put them on par with officers from Peel Regional Police. They want to be the highest paid force in the country.
The union also wants McConnell to resign, charging she’s anti-rank and file.
"This person does not get public safety as an issue. She does not get what it takes to police Toronto and she is only about taking away from the very people that protect the public," Wilson asserted.
McConnell didn't appear fazed by the criticism.
“They have every right to express their opinion but they do not have the right to jeopardize the safety and security of any neighbourhood or any person in Toronto,” she responded.
Miller refused to talk about ongoing negotiations.
“It's very important that our police officers be paid properly and fairly,” he notes evasively. “They have a very tough job to do, but it's also important from the city building aspect that we be able to deliver those services efficiently and effectively, and I certainly think there's room for both sides to reach agreement based on those principles.”
But the Mayor gave the assurance public safety won't be affected, no matter what happens.
“I'm sure the Police Association will use its good sense. Front line police officers, their job is to protect the safety of people. We’ve got a sworn duty to do that. No, they're not going to do anything that's going to jeopardize the safety of Torontonians. And beyond that they're entitled to express their opinions. That's fair enough.”
To see unedited video of Miller
Thousands of police officers have voted unanimously in favour of job action to support their contract demands.
“We're not asking for the moon," said Dave Wilson, Pres., of Toronto Police Services Assn.
"We're asking for a fair contract. We could do it in a day and have this over. They're not prepared to do that. They haven't met with us or reached out to us."
As an essential service, cops can’t legally strike. So they’re looking for other ways to let the city know they’re unhappy about not having a contract since December 31st.
A refusal to hand out parking tickets is just one possible way Toronto Police could show their displeasure.
They may also wear ball caps to show their anger, and could stage an all out work slowdown that would see them responding only to true emergencies.
Talks broke down last month after a mediator failed to reach a settlement between the two sides.
Two major issues remain on the table between the union and the Police Services Board – working hours and retention pay.
The Board, which includes Mayor David Miller and chair Pam McConnell, is apparently asking that officers work 3.5 more hours per month – hours it alleges they’re already getting paid for under the current structure.
The Association charges that they’ve misrepresented the issue, and that it would mean officers being forced to work on their days off for free.
The other issue, retention pay, involves a reduction in the amount currently devoted to keeping officers in Toronto.
Retention pay was introduced three years ago as a way to keep cops in the city, rather than leaving for police services in other parts of the province.
The Board believes retention is no longer an issue, and wants to reduce the amount committed to it. The Association feels without the extra money, the force will begin losing officers again.
A final sticking point is that of wages - Toronto cops complain that the current offer would only put them on par with officers from Peel Regional Police. They want to be the highest paid force in the country.
The union also wants McConnell to resign, charging she’s anti-rank and file.
"This person does not get public safety as an issue. She does not get what it takes to police Toronto and she is only about taking away from the very people that protect the public," Wilson asserted.
McConnell didn't appear fazed by the criticism.
“They have every right to express their opinion but they do not have the right to jeopardize the safety and security of any neighbourhood or any person in Toronto,” she responded.
Miller refused to talk about ongoing negotiations.
“It's very important that our police officers be paid properly and fairly,” he notes evasively. “They have a very tough job to do, but it's also important from the city building aspect that we be able to deliver those services efficiently and effectively, and I certainly think there's room for both sides to reach agreement based on those principles.”
But the Mayor gave the assurance public safety won't be affected, no matter what happens.
“I'm sure the Police Association will use its good sense. Front line police officers, their job is to protect the safety of people. We’ve got a sworn duty to do that. No, they're not going to do anything that's going to jeopardize the safety of Torontonians. And beyond that they're entitled to express their opinions. That's fair enough.”
To see unedited video of Miller
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