Sometimes I Think Unions Have Too Much Power

It might just be the MBA in me talking though. I'm not sure how a "critical service" is defined but I'd have to say the TTC sure sounds like one by the amount of impact it has on everyone on the city.

In addition, it seems that (IMO) that TTC workers were already over paid (source). In 2005, the average wage was:

TTC Bus Driver: $24.32/hour
Canadian: $15.35/hour
Truck Driver: $18.48/hour (2003)
Registered Nurse: $27.80/hour

It just doesn't compute for me... Especially when you factor in all the other benefits of being a TTC worker.
09:27 AM | 4 Comments

Comments

  1. I used to agree with you, but I've been swayed to the workers' side, as far as pay is concerned. My reasons: 1. Apparently there's a shortage of workers -> raise the pay 2. They work asstastic shifts (nights etc), split shifts, etc 3. Lives are at stake 4. Riders are dicks/drunk/armed
    roju on April 27, 2008, at 05:18 PMDeleteEdit
  2. I think it's simple. The rest of Toronto (e.g. their customers) work for far less. Let the market take this one... if they can get a better job, let them. The price of bus labour will adjust to compensate for 2->4. It's simply too much power to grind a city to a halt because you're trying to squeeze more money out of your company which means your customers--the passengers on the TTC who make far less than you on average.
    Riz on April 27, 2008, at 05:23 PM
  3. Riz, the main part of this deal was the issue of worker safety on the job, not the money... although that's all that anybody in the media ever seems to focus on, whenever a new contract comes up (especially those in the public service, e.g. me). And hey, if you want to make what a TTC driver makes... become one! Nobody's stopping you.
    jtl on April 27, 2008, at 11:44 PMDeleteEdit
  4. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Page/document/video/vs?id=RTGAM.20080427.wvttcessential&sid=
    Tim on April 28, 2008, at 06:58 PMDeleteEdit