That photo of hope was taken by my daughter who has become the BLOGMEISTER'S photographer of choice!
Here are more emails from readers. I am trying to clear out the mail so you, dear reader, can start afresh. Lots of people with lots to say.
Clearly, I do not expect many to read all of the emails but you ought to read a sampling.
You will note the volume of mail that my BLOGs have generated over the CUPE/City strike in this posting and in previous ones. I thought you ought to know that. There are many more that I have not posted because of sheer numbers. If I have not posted yours, I trust you will forgive me.
You will obviously discover that the number of negative emails is very low. That is the way it was. I just did not receive very many.
The response is gratifying to me regardless of your position and has been overwhelming. My hits have gone through the roof and I am told that my BLOGs were even printed out so that people could discuss them when they were picketing.
I am glad that many readers felt that my BLOG presented an alternative perspective and that what I Blogged was accurate and fair. My purpose has always been to make you think, dear reader, by presenting you with information that you might not know about, presented in a way that you might not have considered. Whatever your conclusions are after reading my BLOGs are yours alone.
I trust that my new readers will stay around and keep on reading and sending me their notes. That is what makes this all worthwhile!
1) I was going to write you as soon as I got home on Friday, which was about 6:45pm but I checked your BLOG and discovered that you had already been fed the news that we had ratified the contract. Given the time on that BLOG, it does indeed appear you were fed first before other media. The membership was given the results only about 5 or 10 minutes before you were. When I left the building to come home, the rest of the media were corralled in a room downstairs waiting...
Everyone is very appreciative of your BLOGGING during this ordeal. You were read by a vast majority of members and often your thoughts were topics for discussion on the lines. Your insights, your creative writing and ideas, and your disdain for His Warship were huge morale boosters on many, many days when we were really worn down.
I personally thank you!
2) Ed - this morning's blog was worth two cups of coffee. The Star would be a great paper except for its writers - love it!
3) The City has failed miserably on their IRIDE program, Next time I get something in the mail I will send back "address unknown". Maybe what they should do is get a new program, iweigh.
I don't know about other members, but due to the change in my lifestyle, I have gained about 10 or more lbs. I will be starting a program starting MONDAY, to reduce that.
They have no respect for the employees...
And if there is EVER another IRIDE meeting, I will NOT be attending.
4) we seriously need to get something going legally and find out the TRUTH about what is exactly going on here!!
5) We had a bunch of seasonal, rec. workers sitting behind us. University/College students. And one got up to the Mike, he was upset that they only get $500 signing bonus (because last weeks offer they would have gotten $650).
But the language had changed, last week even temporary FULLTIME employees would have only got $650. This week they get $1,000.
The kids were not happy,. They said they lost half their pay for being out on strike in July (a key month for them). Jean tried to clarify to them, there was IMPROVEMENTS to language that if say, they want to be caseworkers, they will NOW have a better chance than the person coming in off the street. They have been added to the "pecking order". They were mostly satisfied I think., but still, about 500 kids and part-time worker? I'm sorry, but I do not believe they should be in the same uinion local as us, they have different issues. But another member had a good point when we were down in the lounge (I wish she would have gone up to the Mike with this). But the fact is, the rec. workers mostly work July and August. Yes, they have not worked in July. But they were paid the SAME strike pay as us FULL-TIME workers (this is our career(). They got the money since the middle of April, which normally, they would NOT have been working in April or May or even most of June. They still got the SAME amount of money that all us full-time members got. So they really have STILL got their tuition, whether they realize it or not.
They should not be in our Local.They should be CUPE LOCAL 543.2?? They have separate issues and to think that 500 KIDS could rule our future, is REALLY SCARY.
Anyhow. the kids settled down, and the vote was yes. THANK GOD.
6) You were so supportive! Thank you!!!
7) The blogs on the Windsor Star this morning (and last night) are very hateful towards Eddie. Sorry, seems like he "sold the farn". In their opinion anyways.
8) You know, people do not Understand what DRIVES the economy. They are all talking about THEY took pay cuts, etc. why did they do that? We should all be fighting for more...
You NEED good paying jobs in order to drive the economy. I feel sorry for all the folks who blogged on Windsor Star and hate us and the money we make. But hey, anyone could apply for a City job. You just have to have the education, qualifications, past testing and interviews. NEPOTISM/ Yeah right, H/R is operated by NON union people, they give us NO favours. I for one, really appreciate your non-prejudiced opinions on everything. It's just too bad, this town is in a slump, but things WILL pick up, they always DO. This community is RESILIENT. And this WHOLE strike and everything else (jail, bridge, etc.) has really opened my eyes to what is happening, how us taxpayers are being TAKEN by politicians. Keep up the good work Ed.
9) Well it's now old news but the CUPE strike is over but I want to extend my gratitude to all of those who did support us during the strike.
A while back one of your letter writers wrote that we have more support than we know.
I for one do know that we have a lot of support. I try to talk to those who are generously waiting in line without compliant to dump their garbage. It is tough to sit in your vehicle with the smell of garbage permeating throughout. I know from many years of having to haul trash from the cottage back into town because there is no dump in the middle of the bush unless it was an illegal dump site.
I have learned a lot from those citizens and I like to think I made a new friend or two for the few minutes I spoke with them. Lots of dogs bark their support and children smile and wave. I have also learned a lot about Eddie and most of it is not so nice.
This strike has taught me many lessons. I will never forget the random acts of kindness ... nor the horrors of picketing (but chose not to dwell on that), to act the way I would like to be treated in the same situation and I will always help out with someone else's strike. I will also remember how people made me feel good during this horrific time and how it brought tears to my eyes beause I was overwhelmed by their generosity.
We had several local businesses, organisations, charities and individuals contribute food and money to the strikers. We also had more support from the general public than the star would lead us all to believe.
For all of those citizens, businesses, organisations, charities etc. who generously contributed ... a kind word, some hope, food and snacks to a picket line, donations of all types to the union hall ... to the CUPE (and let's not forget our brothers and sisters from CAW Local 195 aka Vet's Cab) strikers a great big thank you. Most of the time we never know how our actions affect others but rest assured anything you may have done will be rewarded tenfold. The Universe has a way of giving you back what you deserve. Thank you.
10) we knew they had private contractors picking up garbage from the dump sites and all over really. We would be picketing, and an unmarked white truck would come in to pick up the bins, while we were there!!... Also other people said they put out mounds of garbage on their street with our Arbitration sign, and by morning, the garbage was gone. Gee, maybe I should have tried that, because it seems like there was a nightly pickup crew going around the City, except I live on a quiet street in Riverside and none of my neighbours have their garbage out and only my closest neighbours know I work for the City, god I wouldn't want that to get out there, I could have my house vandalized if they ALL knew!!
Still I have 14 weeks worth in my garage. It will be VERY INTERESTING next week when garbage pickup resumes, to see exactly HOW MUCH there is out there. I'm betting there is alot. More than the "75%" that Eddie says were taking it themselves to the dump. I don't think so!! He says no O/T for those guys. I think that's going to go by the wayside too, once they see the amount of garbage people have been hiding away. Anyways, we will live to fight another day. We had our moment, it's over, we are going back to work Monday.
11) Hi Ed, just read your blog, dead on again as always. Another thing I have to wonder once our garbage pickup resumes next week (and can't wait for that) it will be interesting to see HOW much garbage there is out there. I know I have held my garbage for the past 14 weeks because I'm a CUPE member. But I have to wonder, how many others have done so? I think MANY. Not everyone was willing to take their own time and money to go to a private drop off spot or cross a picket line. I have TONS of garbage, and some of it over weight from what they would normally take.
But I will put my picket sign right on top of the pile of garbage, and hope that our brothers in local 82 will pick it all up in honour of the fact that we HELD OUT FOR 14 WEEKS. GO CUPE.
12) But husband and I did go to our local watering hole (within walking distance). And our favortite waitress who was against the strike when she found out a few weeks ago, that I was a CUPE worker, but tonite, she's all like "glad you guys are going back to work". So it was good, she had a smoke with us, I gave her a bigger than normal tip (after all, she is a taxpayer, the paybacks have to start somewhere!!)
13) shame on all of the scabs and strike breakers. no wonder they covered all
our jobs without difficulty. they just hired other people to do all the
work. betting this is just the tip of the old iceburg.
i am incenssed. another one to add to the very long list of unfair labour
practise and the non existent labour relations the city will have for the
coming decades.
14) Has anyone found out what Eddie or whatever his alias is this week has done with Skorobohacz
15) I will put my political views this way. Normally I am definitely right of center. I am normally not a big union person. I have always appreciated the gains they helped bring in the past....we have all benefited ...however...usually I end up thinking they have gone a little far in recent history. The 100 day strike has turned me a little left and made me realize we still need unions! The utter disrespect that the mayor and most councillors have shown to good hard working people sickens me!
16) We might be back to work but why were we off so long and why is it that they dont talk about how the mayor did not want to continue talks. WE might be back to work but the battle will continue I am sure.
17) The back to work protocol did not mention Marra’s program. Putting that in the last protocol was nasty!!! Maybe Francis is seriously planning to run for Mayor again. Perhaps the big parties told him he is to polarizing and argumentative and they do not want him as their candidate for higher office!
18) its in the 80s for 543 [for approval]
19) you can count on me too. i am not ready to give up the fight.
20) you were first with the news see all the friends you got!!!!!
21) anyway...I think the membership will probably vote to accept this ... I think it's as good as it's gonna get... we've lost WAY TOO MUCH money already...lots of hardship cases out there...many lost homes...many broken marriages...
22) We appreciate all your input during the last few months
Don t stop digging we appreciate the alternate voice
23) There was a positive feeling after this morning's vote. The contract will pass. You were mostly right in your prediction on what will be included in the new offer. However, 1 thing was excluded from the back to work protocol which I believe was a major victory for CUPE. You will find out more later.
24) I agree with you about a silent fight from city emplyee's with the gutts to fight against the Mayor and Council and the City of Windsor I welcome you to our vote today knowing you will not be allowed into the meeting room for the vote but afterwards I sure there will be plenty of Cupe member that will be interested in having you in our corner
25) I look forward to meeting today before the vote and after
26) Do you know of any lawyers who would want to take this case?
27) [Copy of a note sent to Anne Jarvis of the Star] Really sorry to read this Anne. It is a good article but again only scratches the surface. What everyone keeps failing to realize is that all a worker needs is dignity in performing their job. In order to win, the corporation engaged in a PR war to rob this dignity. To strip and humble workers who are already humble in that they serve as public SERVANTS. Workers for the City invest their hearts into SERVING the people of Windsor. To be forced into the street and marched in front of all of the people we have been serving and caring for all of these years. Well that is about the dirtiest, most clever, and clearly, the most successful way to beat the SERVANT. But in beating the workers who have been SERVING with their heart & soul, do any of us win? SHAME UPON US ALL. Every resident who has not stood up and shouted, "THIS IS WRONG!" Every resident who does not have a garbage can at the end of the driveway or a poster in the window to welcome back our humiliated garbage collector does not deserve to have a garbage collector - private or public. And should this
terrible public shaming of our public servants end today, well God help us that we have a healing circle or town hall of some kind that we can ALL enter to forgive and try to forget what we have done.
28) Thank you-I am sure someone will get to you before I get home from the Caboto Club. I am anxious to see what all the negative comments will be from those people in the community who want to do our jobs for ten dollars an hour.
29) I am sitting here waiting to go to the Caboto club at 4 p.m. today and I am reflecting on some of the conversations I had with fellow picketers at city hall yesterday. I couldn't understand why people were so upset that councillors were voting on the contract before we were.
I was told that historically, when there is a tentative contract, the striking workers get to vote first. I must therefore assume that is one more "shot across the bow" at us and CUPE. It is one more turn of the knife in the backs of us "so called civil servants". The lack of respect shown from this mayor knows no limits and I firmly believe that it is far from over for him.
There will be may people in his sights from now on. We can only wait and pray that the job losses won't be huge.
Thank you for the opportunity to express myself. I was told that the Windsor Star is hurting and that they are ripe for another paper to come into the city. We could only hope for another paper to give us the other side of the coin. I didn't realize that four months of journalism could be so one-sided or that it could be controlled from within. After speaking with reporters I found out that once their stories are filed, they have no control how that story is presented to the public or how simple words are taken out of context. Keep give us the other perspective.
30) [From a traveller just back] It was nice down there and great to get away from Windsor to a clean third world country LOL I was out of town last week on vacation ...Its funny how the people there want to fight for there rights to get ahead in life and we are fighting to keep ours.
31) Four years from now we will still have this strike fresh in our minds and we will be shy about going out again so soon. We will also not have had time to replenish our strike fund which means we will not have the extra monies available for a protracted fight. We will then be ripe for the plucking because the corporation knows these things as well. If they decide to go after sick days for example we may capitulate without a fight. And then what will they go after next? If prb's are not addressed fairly in this proposal think twice before casting your ballot as this may be the beginning of a long nightmare.
32) And keep up the good work, the bridge, jail, money spending left and right!! Boy, it has sure opened up MY eyes and alot of others I am sure.
33) I know that for myself, and others I have talked to, we will be taking part more in union actions/meetings from now on... If anything, we are more motivated than anything. I would like to know what law firm you would recommend.
And you have made a definite impression on our lives and how we think about things.
33) I wish I had the authority to get you into the vote. If any member of the public deserves to go you do! Perhaps you could volunteer to count the ballets and observe the vote making it a supervised vote as per the mayor’s threats!
So long as Francis is our mayor I have no doubt but that you will have plenty of material for your blog.
34)They should have given serious consideration about when, not to mention what, they were striking about in the first place. This era is not the old. The outcome of this idiotic strike has become evident today. The time is 12:25 A.M. July 24. I'm hopeful that people that want to be union supporters, will still support unions if they can still afford the obvious risks that come with it? SIGNED; TAXED TO DEATH CANADIAN CITIZEN WITHOUT ANY MONEY LEFT FOR UNION DUES! What Has Been Gained By All of This? NOTHING BUT STUPIDITY! Let us be thankful for the few great jobs that are still left in this country.
35) i think it will be a yes. i am dreading going back.
36) I would love to see you at our meeting – I guarantee that YOU would receive a STANDING OVATION!!!!
Hope to see you there – 4 pm meeting of course – the BIG ONE.
Thanks for all your help – you certainly made the strike bearable for me – to finally see “our side” in print is something that we very rarely see – especially without repercussions!
I will continue to follow – I thoroughly enjoy your blogging – and check it at least twice a day! You have become part of my “everyday routine”.
37) Just a quick thank-you for your insight and advice on this strike.
Still believe settlement tomorrow is going to be a sell out for what I found faith in fighting for.
It is a shame that it takes a socialist publication to offer insight on the bigger picture of what is going on in Windsor and the World.
If I am right Cupe sold the farm, not Eddie.
Thanks and keep that blog going. You have a following and if you grow bored with law a political career could gain momentum.
Just my thoughts
38) To stick his nose in once again? Obviously Helga keeps Preston on her Blackberry speed dial instead of following "process", but even worse is: why would he drive to the hotel in the middle of the night to be physically present as soon as he hears a deal is close at hand? Isn't his deal vetting process in council chambers?
39) We were on the picket duty at City Hall at 7:00 a.m. Because my sister listens to "country music" (which I hate) in her car, I was not apprised of the fact until we arrived at 7:00, that a tentative agreement was reached.
Everyone I talked to was elated. We just want to get back to work...
The mood today was VERY happy, people were happily digging into their $200/week strike pay to buy a couple of beverages, those of us that had a little more were putting in a little more for beverages for fellow members and coworkers, we were just happy to know there may be an end to this tomorrow. Have a nice night Ed, I for one, might actually sleep tonight.
40) I found out about your website first week into the strike and have passed you on to all family members and other cupe members who were not aware of you.
I know of a few who have been emailing you – the accuracy of the info is very impressive,
Anyway – here is some food for thought – or not - I know that [Name of Manager]has taken this past week off – vacation - just listening to the Lynn Martin show – Rona Warash is speaking – she is the “Acting CEO” –
Very interesting to me - you have 2 of the “top people” off during the “major week of negotiating”? I was under the impression that “no vacations” were allowed for management during the strike.
41) [Re mini-Gord] Laughing OUT loud! Ed, your too much...and I learned another Latin phrase. Thanks
42) [Re mini-Gord] Thanks for another laugh. I sure hope Chris reads your blog, on second thought, I'm going to email this one to him.
43) The employees would be disciplined if used incorrectly or for any personal usage. Everything we do on our computers is monitored, ie. every click of our mouse, what we have viewed, entered, altered, etc. There are many programs on our computers and if suspected of any wrong doing, the supervisors et al automatically sift through our daily work and use for a period of time to determine if any mis-conduct has been performed. In other words, management can trace our every action from login to logout. We are not allowed to access the internet unless it is either part of our work requirement or we are on our own time, lunch or break and even then the sites visited are subject to approval. When I was taking a course at St. Clair College and they use the "Blackboard" to forward info between instructor and student, I was required to obtain approval to access this site as it is not part of my normal work usage.
Isn't working for the city wonderful????
44) "Those words were reputedly uttered by slain union boss Charlie Brooks, who is honoured in Coventry Gardens with a memorial Peace fountain that remained in storage this summer, a casualty of a bitter city strike in its 99th day on Wednesday — which is how long Windsor’s historic Ford strike lasted in 1945." - Windsor Star
A decision was made WELL before the strike began that the Peace Fountain was not to be put into the water because maintenance costs were too high.
45) I think some of your humour is rubbing off on me ED.
This strike is starting to remind me of those holiday inn select commercials.
CUPE Executice: We may not know how to get a decent contract for our members but we did stay at a holiday inn select last night.
46) You want to consider running for mayor
47) Postponed the contest???? AWWW... and here I was just getting ready with my suggestion
48) Thanks Ed, I haven't had such a good laugh like that say, in about 15 weeks. The names were HYSTERICAL. And the song was HILARIOUS. I think whoever wrote that song, definitely deserves a reward. Maybe someone with a little talent could record it and send it to Eddie as a gift from CUPE. Wow, I really needed a good laugh like that today. Thanks again!!
49) sign me up for your blog
50) Oh yea, I am one of those greedy, overpaid, lazy, no good CUPE members. We are also responsible for:
The death of Michael Jackson
The Shuttle Delays
The Red Wings Loss
The Economy
Swine Flu
Hope I didn't miss anything.
51) I send this with thanks to you and to the lone man in the photo standing
in front of the Windsor Star. It is incredible to think that we live in
a union town and have so little vocal support. There have been many
people who have expressed their anger at the Mayor but few that will
speak up.
So, thank you Ed and thank you to the sign carrying supporter. We
appreciate your dedication to our cause.
While I have your ear, I have to express my outrage at the CFIB
(Canadian Federation of Independent Business) members. According to the
president of CFIB, they have polled their members and they support the
ads run on CKLW. I cannot believe that they would be so vocal in
supporting the mayor and condemning CUPE members. Do they not realize
that CUPE members and their families will once again start spending
money? We are compiling a list of CFIB members and I will personally
visit the members that I USED TO support, to tell them why I will no
longer be a customer.
I must say, her name certainly doesn't reflect her actions. The radio
ads and her comments on last week's news were appalling!
52) I have to share this story about our "Black Angel" with you today. He comes religiously every day to bring hope and sustenance to our picket lines. Most of us don't get to see him every day because we are moved around a lot and are on different shifts so often but he comes. Little does he know how he has helped each one of us to survive. We, in our population do not even know how he has impacted each one of us, each individual. We line up and reach into the car for a sandwich and a water. When it is happening it is like a miracle being performed. My mind goes to thoughts of early England when women would come to feed the waifs on the streets. Venturing into the darkest of alleyways to feed the ill and downtrodden. Yes, I know that I am making a drama of this. And yes, I realize that a logical person would say that he does it for whatever drives him from his mind. But he has come to us every day for over 14 weeks! In my mind, however feeble and dramatic it may seem to be, and in my heart of hearts, he is our "Black Angel" to the Windsor CUPE workers.
53) I am hoping the union pursues the bad faith bargaining charges. I believe we have more than enough evidence to move forward. I am hoping that the truth about Eddie Francis comes out during this trial / investigation. CUPE made many mistakes during this strike, but from my viewpoint, this whole strike could have been avoided with a different mayor or a stronger council.
It's really too bad for everyone. Windsor doesn't need another black eye. I'm not sure why the Conservatives want him to run on behalf of their party.
54) If I were the Mayor and I used a pseudonym to conduct my business how could I satisfy my oath and be accountable to the electorate, let alone ensure FOI requests are lawfully responded to ?.
55) have made repeated requests for information regarding PRB's. To date neither of you has provided the information that I deem critical for me to make informed decisions within the context of the democratic process. I will reiterate that I am a constituent of your's and a taxpayer in this city. I have every right to know the facts regarding this issue.
I'll repeat the questions one last time. How is this program currently funded? Is it "pay as you go" or is there a fund set aside to cover these benefits.
Additionally the mayor and council have led residents to believe that somehow the pain of this recession for those unemployed in this community will somehow be eased by removing this benefit from our workers. How?. How will removing a cost that doesn't exist yet provide savings today?
Keep in mind I'm just an "uneducated autoworker" so if you could spell it out in simple terms that would be greatly appreciated.
I've decided to make this very easy on you. Below I've set up a small table for you to fill in the blanks. You must have these numbers at your finger tips or memorized by now considering you both have backed the mayor and his tactics from the start of this dispute. It would be crazy to assume you've done so without indepth knowledge of the numbers involved.
Keep in mind that while I'm trying to remain as respectful as possible my patience is wearing very thin. I'm not asking. I am demanding!
56) Your argument re the Gateway project was reinforced with the news this
morning of a 23% drop in cross border traffic at the tunnel. Interesting that
the report also mentioned a drop at Bluewater, but I don't recall any mention of the Ambassador bridge stats.
57) I wish to stand beside the fellow you have a photo of standing outside of the Windsor Star. The Windsor Star does not speak for me and the mayor does not speak for me either. How appropriate to show this photo right below your comparison of the CUPE Strike behaviours to the Border File behaviours. When we have allowed ourselves to be in the precarious position of having four-year elections without recall or ability to impeach and media unwilling to honour their own code of
ethics what do we wind up with?
May I say a sincere thank you for this service that you do for us
58) No one I talked to blames Scorbie for Thursday. They just loath Eddie more. One of the managers sent has had a few heart attacks in the last few years. If anyone should take the fall for this strike it should be Eddie... not Scorbie or Helga. There are rumours going around that Scorbie is going to leave us for the States. Imagine if he ends up in a city that is run properly!
59) my husband is becoming quite despondent. I am sure there are others feeling the same way. I am a little concerned. Maybe this will make him retire.
60) Thank you and please keep blogging you are the light on the picket line!
61) this strike has been the topic of discussion at many places, between many people. I have to tell you that NOBODY I have ever talked to you, either here at work or anywhere else (even just casual comments to various people) supports CUPE. They all think they should accept a reasonable offer (with a raise, by the way, at a time when most of us are giving concessions), and get back to work, and also stop their ludicrous antics. If Jim Wood thinks they deserve respect, then they should give some respect; I don't even think the leaders are giving their union members respect.
So there it is - looks like it could go on for a long, long time. I hope I'm wrong, because I'm sure there are lots of intimated CUPE members who would love to vote yes and go to work, and are enduring extreme hardship because of this.
62) How can you automatically believe Jean Fox, and not the Star, when she and her buddy Jim have lied as much or more than anybody else in this whole fiasco!! But that's obviously what you always do, and you seem to publish more comments from pro-CUPE people than otherwise. I'm sorry you apparently have some kind of beef with the Mayor and the local paper (which, I do agree, is somewhat wishy washy at times), but it doesn't mean they are always wrong/lying.
[Part of my answer---You missed my point.
The correction was posted on the CUPE website and the Star chose to ignore it and not pin down Fox. If she lied, the Star should have called her out on it. Surely the Star owed it to their readers to report that fact. That is called journalism...
I publish more notes from Pro-CUPE people than others because that is all I receive. I post just about every note I receive except when it is clear that the writer wants it kept confidential or if the email is nothing more than slander. Sorry.
There are lots of interesting events that take place in this City that have never been reported. I am sure that you can think of some of them.
63) [Copy of a note sent to Lynn Martin at CKLW] Lynn,
I have to take you to task regarding the bargaining process and how you seem to think how it works.
Simply put, you are wrong. In the past (pre Eddie) Council and the Mayor would give the Corporation's negotiating team parameters for a deal to be made. They were free to negotiate within those parameters. If circumstances dictated going outside those parameters the team would go to Council for direction. Once a deal was struck the vote would be put to Council as well as the members for ratification. At no time in the past were the Mayor or Council directly involved in mircomanaging the negotiations as they are now.
As a member of 543's negotiating team before this one I can TELL you this is how it works, (well how it used to work when there was a healthy employer/labour relationship) not the way you have stated. Frankly the last set of talks (previous to this one) where Eddie first came on the scene were one of the most frustrating things I've ever done as negotiations were in the early stages of being micromanaged by him.
64) Ed, read the Star Story: One large obstacle stands in way of settlement: How
much?
This is by far the lowest of the lows for Windsor Star. I'm humiliated.
65) Ahhh come on running for office would be fun in a really stressful sort of way and then you would have the pleasure of having to listen to a bunch of whiners for 4 years. I think you should run for Mayor. Mayor Arditti has a nice ring to it (LOL).
This City is very sad. We lack an identity and we whine to the province and feds because we are so poor. We have such a rich history here (underground railroad, war of 1812 & 1814, prohibition etc) and so many festivals that it should be easy to attract businesses of all types. But because we believe that we are the butt of Ontario we don't act. We need to become a proud city that boasts those beautiful rose gardens of my youth, that believes in themselves and then and only then can we have a city that is proud of our accomplishments and stops treating the middle class like they have done something wrong.
66) I have recently been introduced to your website and have been amazed at the content: there is an actual forum for people to discuss divergent points of view other than mayor francis’s. How refreshing! In regards to the union’s stance…there are so many CUPE people that need to get back to work that unfortunately this latest injection of the union’s defiance over PRB’s is probably moot. But…who knows!
67) waiting for the mcguinty government to legislate us back is not happening. I really beleive that Windsor is the starting point to bring down organized labour.
This is the same gov. that ordered concessions on Chrysler and GM. Submit workers or loose everything.
There is more to this, there has to be. Toronto was in worst shape after one week than they were in 2002 when they got legislated back. So unless there is a death to be blamed on the strike Mcguinty is not moving and Windsor will not piggy back a back to work order.
It is a race to the bottom... The rich will get richer and we will kill our selves for crumbs.
68) Maybe I should retire from the job of strike predictions. Hmmm...if I do retire from strike predicting, I wonder if I'll have any PRBs?
69) Actually, we are 26 out of 29….two cities were not ranked
Here are more emails from readers. I am trying to clear out the mail so you, dear reader, can start afresh. Lots of people with lots to say.
Clearly, I do not expect many to read all of the emails but you ought to read a sampling.
You will note the volume of mail that my BLOGs have generated over the CUPE/City strike in this posting and in previous ones. I thought you ought to know that. There are many more that I have not posted because of sheer numbers. If I have not posted yours, I trust you will forgive me.
You will obviously discover that the number of negative emails is very low. That is the way it was. I just did not receive very many.
The response is gratifying to me regardless of your position and has been overwhelming. My hits have gone through the roof and I am told that my BLOGs were even printed out so that people could discuss them when they were picketing.
I am glad that many readers felt that my BLOG presented an alternative perspective and that what I Blogged was accurate and fair. My purpose has always been to make you think, dear reader, by presenting you with information that you might not know about, presented in a way that you might not have considered. Whatever your conclusions are after reading my BLOGs are yours alone.
I trust that my new readers will stay around and keep on reading and sending me their notes. That is what makes this all worthwhile!
1) I was going to write you as soon as I got home on Friday, which was about 6:45pm but I checked your BLOG and discovered that you had already been fed the news that we had ratified the contract. Given the time on that BLOG, it does indeed appear you were fed first before other media. The membership was given the results only about 5 or 10 minutes before you were. When I left the building to come home, the rest of the media were corralled in a room downstairs waiting...
Everyone is very appreciative of your BLOGGING during this ordeal. You were read by a vast majority of members and often your thoughts were topics for discussion on the lines. Your insights, your creative writing and ideas, and your disdain for His Warship were huge morale boosters on many, many days when we were really worn down.
I personally thank you!
2) Ed - this morning's blog was worth two cups of coffee. The Star would be a great paper except for its writers - love it!
3) The City has failed miserably on their IRIDE program, Next time I get something in the mail I will send back "address unknown". Maybe what they should do is get a new program, iweigh.
I don't know about other members, but due to the change in my lifestyle, I have gained about 10 or more lbs. I will be starting a program starting MONDAY, to reduce that.
They have no respect for the employees...
And if there is EVER another IRIDE meeting, I will NOT be attending.
4) we seriously need to get something going legally and find out the TRUTH about what is exactly going on here!!
5) We had a bunch of seasonal, rec. workers sitting behind us. University/College students. And one got up to the Mike, he was upset that they only get $500 signing bonus (because last weeks offer they would have gotten $650).
But the language had changed, last week even temporary FULLTIME employees would have only got $650. This week they get $1,000.
The kids were not happy,. They said they lost half their pay for being out on strike in July (a key month for them). Jean tried to clarify to them, there was IMPROVEMENTS to language that if say, they want to be caseworkers, they will NOW have a better chance than the person coming in off the street. They have been added to the "pecking order". They were mostly satisfied I think., but still, about 500 kids and part-time worker? I'm sorry, but I do not believe they should be in the same uinion local as us, they have different issues. But another member had a good point when we were down in the lounge (I wish she would have gone up to the Mike with this). But the fact is, the rec. workers mostly work July and August. Yes, they have not worked in July. But they were paid the SAME strike pay as us FULL-TIME workers (this is our career(). They got the money since the middle of April, which normally, they would NOT have been working in April or May or even most of June. They still got the SAME amount of money that all us full-time members got. So they really have STILL got their tuition, whether they realize it or not.
They should not be in our Local.They should be CUPE LOCAL 543.2?? They have separate issues and to think that 500 KIDS could rule our future, is REALLY SCARY.
Anyhow. the kids settled down, and the vote was yes. THANK GOD.
6) You were so supportive! Thank you!!!
7) The blogs on the Windsor Star this morning (and last night) are very hateful towards Eddie. Sorry, seems like he "sold the farn". In their opinion anyways.
8) You know, people do not Understand what DRIVES the economy. They are all talking about THEY took pay cuts, etc. why did they do that? We should all be fighting for more...
You NEED good paying jobs in order to drive the economy. I feel sorry for all the folks who blogged on Windsor Star and hate us and the money we make. But hey, anyone could apply for a City job. You just have to have the education, qualifications, past testing and interviews. NEPOTISM/ Yeah right, H/R is operated by NON union people, they give us NO favours. I for one, really appreciate your non-prejudiced opinions on everything. It's just too bad, this town is in a slump, but things WILL pick up, they always DO. This community is RESILIENT. And this WHOLE strike and everything else (jail, bridge, etc.) has really opened my eyes to what is happening, how us taxpayers are being TAKEN by politicians. Keep up the good work Ed.
9) Well it's now old news but the CUPE strike is over but I want to extend my gratitude to all of those who did support us during the strike.
A while back one of your letter writers wrote that we have more support than we know.
I for one do know that we have a lot of support. I try to talk to those who are generously waiting in line without compliant to dump their garbage. It is tough to sit in your vehicle with the smell of garbage permeating throughout. I know from many years of having to haul trash from the cottage back into town because there is no dump in the middle of the bush unless it was an illegal dump site.
I have learned a lot from those citizens and I like to think I made a new friend or two for the few minutes I spoke with them. Lots of dogs bark their support and children smile and wave. I have also learned a lot about Eddie and most of it is not so nice.
This strike has taught me many lessons. I will never forget the random acts of kindness ... nor the horrors of picketing (but chose not to dwell on that), to act the way I would like to be treated in the same situation and I will always help out with someone else's strike. I will also remember how people made me feel good during this horrific time and how it brought tears to my eyes beause I was overwhelmed by their generosity.
We had several local businesses, organisations, charities and individuals contribute food and money to the strikers. We also had more support from the general public than the star would lead us all to believe.
For all of those citizens, businesses, organisations, charities etc. who generously contributed ... a kind word, some hope, food and snacks to a picket line, donations of all types to the union hall ... to the CUPE (and let's not forget our brothers and sisters from CAW Local 195 aka Vet's Cab) strikers a great big thank you. Most of the time we never know how our actions affect others but rest assured anything you may have done will be rewarded tenfold. The Universe has a way of giving you back what you deserve. Thank you.
10) we knew they had private contractors picking up garbage from the dump sites and all over really. We would be picketing, and an unmarked white truck would come in to pick up the bins, while we were there!!... Also other people said they put out mounds of garbage on their street with our Arbitration sign, and by morning, the garbage was gone. Gee, maybe I should have tried that, because it seems like there was a nightly pickup crew going around the City, except I live on a quiet street in Riverside and none of my neighbours have their garbage out and only my closest neighbours know I work for the City, god I wouldn't want that to get out there, I could have my house vandalized if they ALL knew!!
Still I have 14 weeks worth in my garage. It will be VERY INTERESTING next week when garbage pickup resumes, to see exactly HOW MUCH there is out there. I'm betting there is alot. More than the "75%" that Eddie says were taking it themselves to the dump. I don't think so!! He says no O/T for those guys. I think that's going to go by the wayside too, once they see the amount of garbage people have been hiding away. Anyways, we will live to fight another day. We had our moment, it's over, we are going back to work Monday.
11) Hi Ed, just read your blog, dead on again as always. Another thing I have to wonder once our garbage pickup resumes next week (and can't wait for that) it will be interesting to see HOW much garbage there is out there. I know I have held my garbage for the past 14 weeks because I'm a CUPE member. But I have to wonder, how many others have done so? I think MANY. Not everyone was willing to take their own time and money to go to a private drop off spot or cross a picket line. I have TONS of garbage, and some of it over weight from what they would normally take.
But I will put my picket sign right on top of the pile of garbage, and hope that our brothers in local 82 will pick it all up in honour of the fact that we HELD OUT FOR 14 WEEKS. GO CUPE.
12) But husband and I did go to our local watering hole (within walking distance). And our favortite waitress who was against the strike when she found out a few weeks ago, that I was a CUPE worker, but tonite, she's all like "glad you guys are going back to work". So it was good, she had a smoke with us, I gave her a bigger than normal tip (after all, she is a taxpayer, the paybacks have to start somewhere!!)
13) shame on all of the scabs and strike breakers. no wonder they covered all
our jobs without difficulty. they just hired other people to do all the
work. betting this is just the tip of the old iceburg.
i am incenssed. another one to add to the very long list of unfair labour
practise and the non existent labour relations the city will have for the
coming decades.
14) Has anyone found out what Eddie or whatever his alias is this week has done with Skorobohacz
15) I will put my political views this way. Normally I am definitely right of center. I am normally not a big union person. I have always appreciated the gains they helped bring in the past....we have all benefited ...however...usually I end up thinking they have gone a little far in recent history. The 100 day strike has turned me a little left and made me realize we still need unions! The utter disrespect that the mayor and most councillors have shown to good hard working people sickens me!
16) We might be back to work but why were we off so long and why is it that they dont talk about how the mayor did not want to continue talks. WE might be back to work but the battle will continue I am sure.
17) The back to work protocol did not mention Marra’s program. Putting that in the last protocol was nasty!!! Maybe Francis is seriously planning to run for Mayor again. Perhaps the big parties told him he is to polarizing and argumentative and they do not want him as their candidate for higher office!
18) its in the 80s for 543 [for approval]
19) you can count on me too. i am not ready to give up the fight.
20) you were first with the news see all the friends you got!!!!!
21) anyway...I think the membership will probably vote to accept this ... I think it's as good as it's gonna get... we've lost WAY TOO MUCH money already...lots of hardship cases out there...many lost homes...many broken marriages...
22) We appreciate all your input during the last few months
Don t stop digging we appreciate the alternate voice
23) There was a positive feeling after this morning's vote. The contract will pass. You were mostly right in your prediction on what will be included in the new offer. However, 1 thing was excluded from the back to work protocol which I believe was a major victory for CUPE. You will find out more later.
24) I agree with you about a silent fight from city emplyee's with the gutts to fight against the Mayor and Council and the City of Windsor I welcome you to our vote today knowing you will not be allowed into the meeting room for the vote but afterwards I sure there will be plenty of Cupe member that will be interested in having you in our corner
25) I look forward to meeting today before the vote and after
26) Do you know of any lawyers who would want to take this case?
27) [Copy of a note sent to Anne Jarvis of the Star] Really sorry to read this Anne. It is a good article but again only scratches the surface. What everyone keeps failing to realize is that all a worker needs is dignity in performing their job. In order to win, the corporation engaged in a PR war to rob this dignity. To strip and humble workers who are already humble in that they serve as public SERVANTS. Workers for the City invest their hearts into SERVING the people of Windsor. To be forced into the street and marched in front of all of the people we have been serving and caring for all of these years. Well that is about the dirtiest, most clever, and clearly, the most successful way to beat the SERVANT. But in beating the workers who have been SERVING with their heart & soul, do any of us win? SHAME UPON US ALL. Every resident who has not stood up and shouted, "THIS IS WRONG!" Every resident who does not have a garbage can at the end of the driveway or a poster in the window to welcome back our humiliated garbage collector does not deserve to have a garbage collector - private or public. And should this
terrible public shaming of our public servants end today, well God help us that we have a healing circle or town hall of some kind that we can ALL enter to forgive and try to forget what we have done.
28) Thank you-I am sure someone will get to you before I get home from the Caboto Club. I am anxious to see what all the negative comments will be from those people in the community who want to do our jobs for ten dollars an hour.
29) I am sitting here waiting to go to the Caboto club at 4 p.m. today and I am reflecting on some of the conversations I had with fellow picketers at city hall yesterday. I couldn't understand why people were so upset that councillors were voting on the contract before we were.
I was told that historically, when there is a tentative contract, the striking workers get to vote first. I must therefore assume that is one more "shot across the bow" at us and CUPE. It is one more turn of the knife in the backs of us "so called civil servants". The lack of respect shown from this mayor knows no limits and I firmly believe that it is far from over for him.
There will be may people in his sights from now on. We can only wait and pray that the job losses won't be huge.
Thank you for the opportunity to express myself. I was told that the Windsor Star is hurting and that they are ripe for another paper to come into the city. We could only hope for another paper to give us the other side of the coin. I didn't realize that four months of journalism could be so one-sided or that it could be controlled from within. After speaking with reporters I found out that once their stories are filed, they have no control how that story is presented to the public or how simple words are taken out of context. Keep give us the other perspective.
30) [From a traveller just back] It was nice down there and great to get away from Windsor to a clean third world country LOL I was out of town last week on vacation ...Its funny how the people there want to fight for there rights to get ahead in life and we are fighting to keep ours.
31) Four years from now we will still have this strike fresh in our minds and we will be shy about going out again so soon. We will also not have had time to replenish our strike fund which means we will not have the extra monies available for a protracted fight. We will then be ripe for the plucking because the corporation knows these things as well. If they decide to go after sick days for example we may capitulate without a fight. And then what will they go after next? If prb's are not addressed fairly in this proposal think twice before casting your ballot as this may be the beginning of a long nightmare.
32) And keep up the good work, the bridge, jail, money spending left and right!! Boy, it has sure opened up MY eyes and alot of others I am sure.
33) I know that for myself, and others I have talked to, we will be taking part more in union actions/meetings from now on... If anything, we are more motivated than anything. I would like to know what law firm you would recommend.
And you have made a definite impression on our lives and how we think about things.
33) I wish I had the authority to get you into the vote. If any member of the public deserves to go you do! Perhaps you could volunteer to count the ballets and observe the vote making it a supervised vote as per the mayor’s threats!
So long as Francis is our mayor I have no doubt but that you will have plenty of material for your blog.
34)They should have given serious consideration about when, not to mention what, they were striking about in the first place. This era is not the old. The outcome of this idiotic strike has become evident today. The time is 12:25 A.M. July 24. I'm hopeful that people that want to be union supporters, will still support unions if they can still afford the obvious risks that come with it? SIGNED; TAXED TO DEATH CANADIAN CITIZEN WITHOUT ANY MONEY LEFT FOR UNION DUES! What Has Been Gained By All of This? NOTHING BUT STUPIDITY! Let us be thankful for the few great jobs that are still left in this country.
35) i think it will be a yes. i am dreading going back.
36) I would love to see you at our meeting – I guarantee that YOU would receive a STANDING OVATION!!!!
Hope to see you there – 4 pm meeting of course – the BIG ONE.
Thanks for all your help – you certainly made the strike bearable for me – to finally see “our side” in print is something that we very rarely see – especially without repercussions!
I will continue to follow – I thoroughly enjoy your blogging – and check it at least twice a day! You have become part of my “everyday routine”.
37) Just a quick thank-you for your insight and advice on this strike.
Still believe settlement tomorrow is going to be a sell out for what I found faith in fighting for.
It is a shame that it takes a socialist publication to offer insight on the bigger picture of what is going on in Windsor and the World.
If I am right Cupe sold the farm, not Eddie.
Thanks and keep that blog going. You have a following and if you grow bored with law a political career could gain momentum.
Just my thoughts
38) To stick his nose in once again? Obviously Helga keeps Preston on her Blackberry speed dial instead of following "process", but even worse is: why would he drive to the hotel in the middle of the night to be physically present as soon as he hears a deal is close at hand? Isn't his deal vetting process in council chambers?
39) We were on the picket duty at City Hall at 7:00 a.m. Because my sister listens to "country music" (which I hate) in her car, I was not apprised of the fact until we arrived at 7:00, that a tentative agreement was reached.
Everyone I talked to was elated. We just want to get back to work...
The mood today was VERY happy, people were happily digging into their $200/week strike pay to buy a couple of beverages, those of us that had a little more were putting in a little more for beverages for fellow members and coworkers, we were just happy to know there may be an end to this tomorrow. Have a nice night Ed, I for one, might actually sleep tonight.
40) I found out about your website first week into the strike and have passed you on to all family members and other cupe members who were not aware of you.
I know of a few who have been emailing you – the accuracy of the info is very impressive,
Anyway – here is some food for thought – or not - I know that [Name of Manager]has taken this past week off – vacation - just listening to the Lynn Martin show – Rona Warash is speaking – she is the “Acting CEO” –
Very interesting to me - you have 2 of the “top people” off during the “major week of negotiating”? I was under the impression that “no vacations” were allowed for management during the strike.
41) [Re mini-Gord] Laughing OUT loud! Ed, your too much...and I learned another Latin phrase. Thanks
42) [Re mini-Gord] Thanks for another laugh. I sure hope Chris reads your blog, on second thought, I'm going to email this one to him.
43) The employees would be disciplined if used incorrectly or for any personal usage. Everything we do on our computers is monitored, ie. every click of our mouse, what we have viewed, entered, altered, etc. There are many programs on our computers and if suspected of any wrong doing, the supervisors et al automatically sift through our daily work and use for a period of time to determine if any mis-conduct has been performed. In other words, management can trace our every action from login to logout. We are not allowed to access the internet unless it is either part of our work requirement or we are on our own time, lunch or break and even then the sites visited are subject to approval. When I was taking a course at St. Clair College and they use the "Blackboard" to forward info between instructor and student, I was required to obtain approval to access this site as it is not part of my normal work usage.
Isn't working for the city wonderful????
44) "Those words were reputedly uttered by slain union boss Charlie Brooks, who is honoured in Coventry Gardens with a memorial Peace fountain that remained in storage this summer, a casualty of a bitter city strike in its 99th day on Wednesday — which is how long Windsor’s historic Ford strike lasted in 1945." - Windsor Star
A decision was made WELL before the strike began that the Peace Fountain was not to be put into the water because maintenance costs were too high.
45) I think some of your humour is rubbing off on me ED.
This strike is starting to remind me of those holiday inn select commercials.
CUPE Executice: We may not know how to get a decent contract for our members but we did stay at a holiday inn select last night.
46) You want to consider running for mayor
47) Postponed the contest???? AWWW... and here I was just getting ready with my suggestion
48) Thanks Ed, I haven't had such a good laugh like that say, in about 15 weeks. The names were HYSTERICAL. And the song was HILARIOUS. I think whoever wrote that song, definitely deserves a reward. Maybe someone with a little talent could record it and send it to Eddie as a gift from CUPE. Wow, I really needed a good laugh like that today. Thanks again!!
49) sign me up for your blog
50) Oh yea, I am one of those greedy, overpaid, lazy, no good CUPE members. We are also responsible for:
The death of Michael Jackson
The Shuttle Delays
The Red Wings Loss
The Economy
Swine Flu
Hope I didn't miss anything.
51) I send this with thanks to you and to the lone man in the photo standing
in front of the Windsor Star. It is incredible to think that we live in
a union town and have so little vocal support. There have been many
people who have expressed their anger at the Mayor but few that will
speak up.
So, thank you Ed and thank you to the sign carrying supporter. We
appreciate your dedication to our cause.
While I have your ear, I have to express my outrage at the CFIB
(Canadian Federation of Independent Business) members. According to the
president of CFIB, they have polled their members and they support the
ads run on CKLW. I cannot believe that they would be so vocal in
supporting the mayor and condemning CUPE members. Do they not realize
that CUPE members and their families will once again start spending
money? We are compiling a list of CFIB members and I will personally
visit the members that I USED TO support, to tell them why I will no
longer be a customer.
I must say, her name certainly doesn't reflect her actions. The radio
ads and her comments on last week's news were appalling!
52) I have to share this story about our "Black Angel" with you today. He comes religiously every day to bring hope and sustenance to our picket lines. Most of us don't get to see him every day because we are moved around a lot and are on different shifts so often but he comes. Little does he know how he has helped each one of us to survive. We, in our population do not even know how he has impacted each one of us, each individual. We line up and reach into the car for a sandwich and a water. When it is happening it is like a miracle being performed. My mind goes to thoughts of early England when women would come to feed the waifs on the streets. Venturing into the darkest of alleyways to feed the ill and downtrodden. Yes, I know that I am making a drama of this. And yes, I realize that a logical person would say that he does it for whatever drives him from his mind. But he has come to us every day for over 14 weeks! In my mind, however feeble and dramatic it may seem to be, and in my heart of hearts, he is our "Black Angel" to the Windsor CUPE workers.
53) I am hoping the union pursues the bad faith bargaining charges. I believe we have more than enough evidence to move forward. I am hoping that the truth about Eddie Francis comes out during this trial / investigation. CUPE made many mistakes during this strike, but from my viewpoint, this whole strike could have been avoided with a different mayor or a stronger council.
It's really too bad for everyone. Windsor doesn't need another black eye. I'm not sure why the Conservatives want him to run on behalf of their party.
54) If I were the Mayor and I used a pseudonym to conduct my business how could I satisfy my oath and be accountable to the electorate, let alone ensure FOI requests are lawfully responded to ?.
55) have made repeated requests for information regarding PRB's. To date neither of you has provided the information that I deem critical for me to make informed decisions within the context of the democratic process. I will reiterate that I am a constituent of your's and a taxpayer in this city. I have every right to know the facts regarding this issue.
I'll repeat the questions one last time. How is this program currently funded? Is it "pay as you go" or is there a fund set aside to cover these benefits.
Additionally the mayor and council have led residents to believe that somehow the pain of this recession for those unemployed in this community will somehow be eased by removing this benefit from our workers. How?. How will removing a cost that doesn't exist yet provide savings today?
Keep in mind I'm just an "uneducated autoworker" so if you could spell it out in simple terms that would be greatly appreciated.
I've decided to make this very easy on you. Below I've set up a small table for you to fill in the blanks. You must have these numbers at your finger tips or memorized by now considering you both have backed the mayor and his tactics from the start of this dispute. It would be crazy to assume you've done so without indepth knowledge of the numbers involved.
Keep in mind that while I'm trying to remain as respectful as possible my patience is wearing very thin. I'm not asking. I am demanding!
56) Your argument re the Gateway project was reinforced with the news this
morning of a 23% drop in cross border traffic at the tunnel. Interesting that
the report also mentioned a drop at Bluewater, but I don't recall any mention of the Ambassador bridge stats.
57) I wish to stand beside the fellow you have a photo of standing outside of the Windsor Star. The Windsor Star does not speak for me and the mayor does not speak for me either. How appropriate to show this photo right below your comparison of the CUPE Strike behaviours to the Border File behaviours. When we have allowed ourselves to be in the precarious position of having four-year elections without recall or ability to impeach and media unwilling to honour their own code of
ethics what do we wind up with?
May I say a sincere thank you for this service that you do for us
58) No one I talked to blames Scorbie for Thursday. They just loath Eddie more. One of the managers sent has had a few heart attacks in the last few years. If anyone should take the fall for this strike it should be Eddie... not Scorbie or Helga. There are rumours going around that Scorbie is going to leave us for the States. Imagine if he ends up in a city that is run properly!
59) my husband is becoming quite despondent. I am sure there are others feeling the same way. I am a little concerned. Maybe this will make him retire.
60) Thank you and please keep blogging you are the light on the picket line!
61) this strike has been the topic of discussion at many places, between many people. I have to tell you that NOBODY I have ever talked to you, either here at work or anywhere else (even just casual comments to various people) supports CUPE. They all think they should accept a reasonable offer (with a raise, by the way, at a time when most of us are giving concessions), and get back to work, and also stop their ludicrous antics. If Jim Wood thinks they deserve respect, then they should give some respect; I don't even think the leaders are giving their union members respect.
So there it is - looks like it could go on for a long, long time. I hope I'm wrong, because I'm sure there are lots of intimated CUPE members who would love to vote yes and go to work, and are enduring extreme hardship because of this.
62) How can you automatically believe Jean Fox, and not the Star, when she and her buddy Jim have lied as much or more than anybody else in this whole fiasco!! But that's obviously what you always do, and you seem to publish more comments from pro-CUPE people than otherwise. I'm sorry you apparently have some kind of beef with the Mayor and the local paper (which, I do agree, is somewhat wishy washy at times), but it doesn't mean they are always wrong/lying.
[Part of my answer---You missed my point.
The correction was posted on the CUPE website and the Star chose to ignore it and not pin down Fox. If she lied, the Star should have called her out on it. Surely the Star owed it to their readers to report that fact. That is called journalism...
I publish more notes from Pro-CUPE people than others because that is all I receive. I post just about every note I receive except when it is clear that the writer wants it kept confidential or if the email is nothing more than slander. Sorry.
There are lots of interesting events that take place in this City that have never been reported. I am sure that you can think of some of them.
63) [Copy of a note sent to Lynn Martin at CKLW] Lynn,
I have to take you to task regarding the bargaining process and how you seem to think how it works.
Simply put, you are wrong. In the past (pre Eddie) Council and the Mayor would give the Corporation's negotiating team parameters for a deal to be made. They were free to negotiate within those parameters. If circumstances dictated going outside those parameters the team would go to Council for direction. Once a deal was struck the vote would be put to Council as well as the members for ratification. At no time in the past were the Mayor or Council directly involved in mircomanaging the negotiations as they are now.
As a member of 543's negotiating team before this one I can TELL you this is how it works, (well how it used to work when there was a healthy employer/labour relationship) not the way you have stated. Frankly the last set of talks (previous to this one) where Eddie first came on the scene were one of the most frustrating things I've ever done as negotiations were in the early stages of being micromanaged by him.
64) Ed, read the Star Story: One large obstacle stands in way of settlement: How
much?
This is by far the lowest of the lows for Windsor Star. I'm humiliated.
65) Ahhh come on running for office would be fun in a really stressful sort of way and then you would have the pleasure of having to listen to a bunch of whiners for 4 years. I think you should run for Mayor. Mayor Arditti has a nice ring to it (LOL).
This City is very sad. We lack an identity and we whine to the province and feds because we are so poor. We have such a rich history here (underground railroad, war of 1812 & 1814, prohibition etc) and so many festivals that it should be easy to attract businesses of all types. But because we believe that we are the butt of Ontario we don't act. We need to become a proud city that boasts those beautiful rose gardens of my youth, that believes in themselves and then and only then can we have a city that is proud of our accomplishments and stops treating the middle class like they have done something wrong.
66) I have recently been introduced to your website and have been amazed at the content: there is an actual forum for people to discuss divergent points of view other than mayor francis’s. How refreshing! In regards to the union’s stance…there are so many CUPE people that need to get back to work that unfortunately this latest injection of the union’s defiance over PRB’s is probably moot. But…who knows!
67) waiting for the mcguinty government to legislate us back is not happening. I really beleive that Windsor is the starting point to bring down organized labour.
This is the same gov. that ordered concessions on Chrysler and GM. Submit workers or loose everything.
There is more to this, there has to be. Toronto was in worst shape after one week than they were in 2002 when they got legislated back. So unless there is a death to be blamed on the strike Mcguinty is not moving and Windsor will not piggy back a back to work order.
It is a race to the bottom... The rich will get richer and we will kill our selves for crumbs.
68) Maybe I should retire from the job of strike predictions. Hmmm...if I do retire from strike predicting, I wonder if I'll have any PRBs?
69) Actually, we are 26 out of 29….two cities were not ranked
70) I would like to thank you for being a voice of truth in the city of Windsor. As I read Vander Doelen's article today I could hardly contain my anger at what he was turning out. He even went as far as to point out all the anti cupe comments in the Star. So i tried to post a comment about how the star mostly posts only the anti cupe comments in an effort to sway public opinion and in no surprise to me it was not posted. All through the strike I have tried to post comments to the star but as most of my posts were in favour of cupe i would say around 90 percent of them were never posted to the website how is that a true evaluation of public opinion. So once again thank you for being a voice of truth.
71) Sly Devil!...May the Force be with you, Nanoo, nanoo.
72) Ed, you are not from the dark side, so you must be on the Cupe side,don't fight it. Cheer on us underdogs. Use the force and will a labour lawyer to Jim and Jean.
Thanks again,an opinion that allows thought. Keep up the good work.
73) Amazing stuff, Ed. An entertaining and really good antidote long overdue on the Windsor media scene. I may have another little brown envelope for you
74) Those stupid, solemn pictures of dejection by Eddie Francis are comical. He should pack his bags and now! This entire strike is a shame and farce and kudos to you for keeping at the blogging in support of the CUPE workers and taxpayers of the City. God, I will be so happy when all of this is over and people get back to work. I will be so happy when he is out of office, it was only a matter of time before he buried himself - just wish it would have been sooner.
Thanks Ed for being there.
75) Hi Ed, I adore your blog. In fact it inspired me to write my own, so thank you so much for your writing, your passion and, most of all, your insight.
So, on the topic of the day? Once this thing is over (and it has to end at some point) who's going to be the sacrifical lamb to Eddie and council's reputations? Eddie will not take the fall for this, and likely neither will council. It's only a matter of time before the politicians start saying "we're only as good as the advice we're given by our Administration" and who's the pointman there?
I suspect the next tactic will be to try to regain the moral position, which the unions now have. Jean & Jim need to keep their members calm. Violence would lose them everything.
76) Hello there,
I am a city of windsor employee and I have been reading your blogs during this bitter strike. I wanted to thank you for the point of view you are presenting and the questions you are bringing up that should be answered!! It's clear this whole process has been poisoned by Eddie and he needs to be removed from the negotiations or we need to go to binding arbitration IF this is ever to be resolved!
I have a few support sites I update on Facebook and I have posted alot of your blogs!
In closing, Ed Arditti for Mayor!! LOL! IF you want to run, I can make some campaign posters for you!!
Thanks again,
77) Great job allowing people who can't get a letter published in the Windsor Rag to have a say. I am the spouse of a CUPE member and a teacher who for many years sat on our local union executive and on our collective bargaining committees. I wish that that the citizens of Windsor who do get their letters published in "The Rag" would step back and see the big picture.
The problem from the start of this process has been Eddie Francis and his super-sized ego. In contract negotiations both sides appoint a collective bargaining team and give them the mandate AND the authority to bargain until a tentative deal is reached. This tentative deal is then presented to the employees and the employer for ratification. CUPE has tried to let this process work and Eddie has done everything in his power to derail the process. When the process fails we have binding arbitration in Ontario. Despite what Eddie would you have you believe, both sides agree to submit to the process and risk a ruling that they may not like. Eddie won't let this option unfold. He won't have anyone tell him how to run his city and NEVER admits that he may have made a mistake.
Citizens, please see what is so obvious...Eddie is the reason this contract dispute has evolved into the absolute debacle that it has. Here is the simple solution. Demand that Eddie completely remove himself from any further involvement in the dispute. Oh, he'll kick and howl and pronounce how that would be an abdication of his responsibility to his "membership" but don't listen. Tell him he can vote on the tentative agreement like the rest of council and abide by the result. If you could make that happen the problem would be solved. Period.
78) There are a lot more but that should do. Sorry if I have not posted yours!
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