The Simon Tonekham Statesman

Continuation from Part 1 of “Coping with the TTC Strike”:

Today, I was out and about in Downtown Toronto today and many passengers were trying to cope with the TTC Strike that all took them by surprise last night. Many passengers are still frustrated about the news and they were given notice that was too late. When I was in Toronto today, I saw some TTC property that has some vandalism on it. One of them says, “Want $30/hr? Go to university.”, the other says, “The Strike Sux!”

I went to chat with Lillian at Neon today and I told her about the strike. She told me that the strike doesn’t affect her as she utilizes the underground PATH network and the GO Train since she only lives a stop east from Union or two. Speaking of the underground PATH network, when I walked from Union and tried to access the Eaton Centre from The Bay, the access leading to Eaton Centre was blocked, since it straddles along one of the entrances of the TTC property, so therefore, I have to walk up one level to the street level and cross the street to enter the mall. Many tourists were visiting the city too, some of them were unaware of the TTC strike. They were trying to get their way through the city and they have to force to get a taxi, which translates into a greater expense!

During my return trek to Union Station, I managed to catch two unidentified men who were standing over the yellow barricade and I managed to socialize a little bit to them. I also told them that they should get their “Taste of Ink” (The Used reference!). They don’t understand on what I said, but that’s not important…..lol I also mention them about the strike that I have to cope with the Durham Region Transit strike back in 2006. It was brutal. I also managed to chat with one of the GO Transit Provincial Constables (technically Provincial Offences Officers) and I told them about they are well aware of the strike and told me that the service will run as usual, but will not provide the extra tools they need for the commuters. The only good thing that there were events being held in the city. There was the Raptors game at the Air Canada Centre and there was a game by the Toronto FC at BMO field! Another thing is that there was a double decker bus that was provided to ferry Toronto FC goers from the BMO Field to an unidentified place within the downtown core!!! How cool was that?

Meanwhile, Mayor David Miller is working with Ontario Premier Dalton McGunity on drafting some back-to-work legislation and hopefully if all comes as planned (providing that Royal Assent is given), the red rocket might be rolling back as early as Monday. But be warned, there will be no guarantees if the plan gets through.

Both the Premier and the opposition leaders (John Tory and Howard Hampton) have their own view. Here’s one view from John Tory:

The decision taken by the Amalgamated Transit Union to go on strike without notice is outrageous. It jeopardizes public safety and is irresponsible at best. This insensitive action had the effect of stranding thousands of people across the city for no valid reason.

We would urge Premier Dalton McGuinty to reconvene the Legislature at the earliest possible time Saturday or Sunday to get this process underway. We would assume proper planning means a Bill has already been drafted and could be shared with all parties first thing Saturday to assist in expediting this process.”

Howard Hampton also mentioned that this piece of legislation was used to settle the 2002 CUPE strike. If the new bill was not followed, further sanctions will be followed. Maximum fines is about $2,000CDN per individual or $25,000CDN for a union or employer.

Back to work legistation will be introduced at 1:30p.m. (Eastern Time) at Queen’s Park. I’ll be watching it closely as it becomes available. Until then, let’s hope that if all comes through. Another note, talks between the union and the TTC have broken off and no word when talks will resume, but back-to-work legislation will be introduced tomorrow. The media from all parts of the world also did some extensive coverage too! I leave you with some videos and my favourite music video, “The Taste of Ink” by The Used:

confused commuters:

Press conference by David Miller & Adam Giambrone:

This video is from the Philippines, but it covers the TTC Strike:

“Taste of Ink” by the Used:

References:

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22082.aspx

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/418782

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/418772

http://www.ctvtoronto.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080426/ttc_strike_080426/20080426/?hub=TorontoNewHome

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/27/content_8058045.htm

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22080.aspx

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22081.aspx

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22084.aspx

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22079.aspx

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/418862

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2008/04/26/166258.aspx

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2008/04/26/how-to-get-around-if-the-ttc-goes-on-strike.aspx

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5isXAGF69R6qQ3YYVdEkA3j8c-R2w