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Will Mississauga buses drive Toronto wild?
By: John Stewart
April 22, 2008 08:08 AM - When negotiators for Mississauga Transit and the Amalgamated Transit Union's Local 1572 sit down to talk contract in their next round of negotiations, a lot of people in Toronto — especially the politicians — will be holding their collective breath.
That's because the deal struck between the TTC and the City of Toronto contains a new "GTA clause" that will ensure TTC drivers earn more than bus drivers in the rest of the region.
As the details of the new contract are being revealed, a lot of observers are criticizing Toronto for exporting its labour negotiations to another municipality.
"I think it's a mistake to have done that," said veteran Toronto Councillor Doug Holyday. "If for some reason, another community gives a higher rate, then we're stuck with that. We've turned over control. It's not wise."
If, at the end of 2009, TTC drivers are earning less than their counterparts in other cities, they will get an increase of five cents an hour above the wage earned by the other drivers. TTC drivers have been earning five cents an hour less than those in Mississauga, something which was a sticking point in negotiations.
"There's no reason to think it will set a precedent," said TTC chair Adam Giambrone. "What's the difference of five cents an hour? We're not really too concerned about that."
In a column in The National Post, columnist Peter Kuitenbrouwer slammed the "minefields" of the new TTC deal.
He argued that, "the TTC has handed authority over its budget to Carolyn Parrish and other municipal politicians in Mississauga, Brampton and elsewhere in the 905, possibly creating a unfunded liability of an unknown size."
Councillor Brian Ashton joked that the initiative could set another precedent — for councillors' salaries. Mississauga councillors, who also serve on Peel Region, earn about $115,000 or $20,000 more than their counterparts in Toronto.
"If I could get parity with Mississauga councillors, then I could afford to go to Mississauga,” Ashton said.
The 900 members of the Mississauga transit union, whose drivers earn $26.63 an hour, start contract talks this summer with the City. Their contract expires Sept. 30.
By: John Stewart
April 22, 2008 08:08 AM - When negotiators for Mississauga Transit and the Amalgamated Transit Union's Local 1572 sit down to talk contract in their next round of negotiations, a lot of people in Toronto — especially the politicians — will be holding their collective breath.
That's because the deal struck between the TTC and the City of Toronto contains a new "GTA clause" that will ensure TTC drivers earn more than bus drivers in the rest of the region.
As the details of the new contract are being revealed, a lot of observers are criticizing Toronto for exporting its labour negotiations to another municipality.
"I think it's a mistake to have done that," said veteran Toronto Councillor Doug Holyday. "If for some reason, another community gives a higher rate, then we're stuck with that. We've turned over control. It's not wise."
If, at the end of 2009, TTC drivers are earning less than their counterparts in other cities, they will get an increase of five cents an hour above the wage earned by the other drivers. TTC drivers have been earning five cents an hour less than those in Mississauga, something which was a sticking point in negotiations.
"There's no reason to think it will set a precedent," said TTC chair Adam Giambrone. "What's the difference of five cents an hour? We're not really too concerned about that."
In a column in The National Post, columnist Peter Kuitenbrouwer slammed the "minefields" of the new TTC deal.
He argued that, "the TTC has handed authority over its budget to Carolyn Parrish and other municipal politicians in Mississauga, Brampton and elsewhere in the 905, possibly creating a unfunded liability of an unknown size."
Councillor Brian Ashton joked that the initiative could set another precedent — for councillors' salaries. Mississauga councillors, who also serve on Peel Region, earn about $115,000 or $20,000 more than their counterparts in Toronto.
"If I could get parity with Mississauga councillors, then I could afford to go to Mississauga,” Ashton said.
The 900 members of the Mississauga transit union, whose drivers earn $26.63 an hour, start contract talks this summer with the City. Their contract expires Sept. 30.
