Not an essential service... think b4 you vote

[TTCfan666]

There has been talk from the provincial to municipal level of making the TTC an essential service. At first I liked the idea of being able to depend on the public transit service. But then I looked into it. It's not a good a idea. What you gain in convenience, you lose in power to the TTC union.

Think about it. If we declare the TTC an essential service, we will never get rid of that corrupt TTC union. The TTC workforce will only get more leverage in their strike negotiations not less. By selling out to ensure you aren't inconvenienced by a TTC strike, you've given them more money, more guaranteed raises, more job security for low-skilled labour ... basically upgrading their "money for life" situation even more.

It should be telling that Mayor David Miller who is generally a pro-union guy is against the idea specifically because it means more money to the TTC. It's blatantly obvious that the TTC salaries are disgustingly high for what they do that even David Miller is against the idea of giving them any more money or leverage.

This is the definition of an essential service:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.as ... ext#sec4.1

I already know that I'm pleading against popular opinion. Most people don't care enough and are only going to think how great it will be to know that the TTC can't strike and inconvenience them in their public transit routine. It's gonna cost us, people. They've already got stupid crazy salaries for what they do; you'll just be putting more money into their hands for doing their jobs at the end of the contract for that little bit of time every 3 years.

Bus driver does not equal firefighter/police. Lives are inconvenienced during a TTC strike, they're not in danger in any way.
Of course, the better way would be just to get rid of the f'n TTC union. But that's just my opinion.

[lostfreedom]

I agree with you TTCFan. At first to me it was also tempting, but after discussing it and reading about it, it sort of becomes more clear.