CUPE Local 416 denies that it was accusing Mayor Tory of scheming to privatize garbage collection when it released a statement Monday saying that the City was preparing for privatization by calling for a no board report from the Ontario Labour Minister. Typically, such a report means the government will not attempt conciliation between the parties. Local 416 has been without a contract since December 31. A statement released by the union to The South Bayview Bulldog Wednesday further insists the City has not rejected conciliation. The option of privatizing refuse collection to the east of Yonge St. has been an on-and-off prospect since Mayor Tory pledged to follow Rob Ford’s course in privatizing collection to the west. After the election, Mr.Tory and other councillors changed their minds, making the case for a mixed system.
On the eve of a global pandemic it does not seem wise to look for blood from paramedics, water, and sanitation workers. We just might need these people more than ever.
Mayor Rob Ford’s waste/garbage removal plan worked west on Yonge and saved millions of dollars for the city. Tory reneged to follow Ford’s plan for the east side of Yonge because he didn’t want to look like a Ford supporter. Now Tory is feeling the financial pinch he created by stalling the money saving plan for the city. He has no choice now but to follow suit. Next election, taxpayers will remember the reneging which increased their municipal taxes.