Public Commons

Part of Municipal Strike 2009

June 23, 2009

P. N. wrote:

Attached are the MSDS sheets for all products being used to service the garbage dump sites. We are combining the Dragnet 1/4% with the OCS in a sprayer for a single application (this was done last time we serviced for a strike in 2003). We are placing exterior bait stations around the temporary fencing the city is in the process of installing and placing Generation in it.

I've also attached the Site Capacity and Perimeter Totals sheet that shows the sites we are servicing (Primary to start, Secondary after Primary are full and hopefully we won't need Tertiary)

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June 24, 2009

N. W. wrote:

Who is the good Samaritan who last night removed all the garbage from the park and replaced the bags in all the bins??? The early morning dog walkers (and I'm sure everyone else) thank you. : )

Jutta Mason wrote:

Response to N. W.'s question: The people removing trash bags from the parks are not precisely good Samaritans, they are city managers with city trucks, picking up trash. They are doing that all over the city. They may as well stay busy!

And at Dufferin Grove there seems to be just normal amount of park trash so far, since all events are cancelled. The only exception I know of is a bin across from St.Mary's School, mounded up with paper plates and food scraps, and left behind after they had their school picnic in the park on Monday. I asked at the St.Mary's office if they could remove that one overflowing trash bag, so as not to attract more garbage, and they said maybe.

But they didn't.

So I squashed the stuff down and tied up the bag last night -- it was too full for me to lift out of the wire trash basket. Trying to lift those big bags and getting smelly garbage juice all over your hands is a good way to gain a fuller experience of park infrastructure.

V. S. wrote:

Just an aside about St. Mary's school. For many years the trash outside the school and in the park was pretty bad and very unsightly as well as always blowing into the front gardens next to the school. I went to see the Principle a few times and suggested that they have student monitors at lunch-time (old school I guess!) and I was told the parents wouldn't approve. So nothing happened. Then a couple of years ago I noticed very little garbage around. I like to compliment as well as complain so went into the school. I was told by the staff that there was a new Principle and he had informed the students that it was a privilege for them to use the park and it could easily be revoked, so it was to their advantage to keep it clean. Since then the caretaker is out almost every morning collecting garbage from around the school and the corner of the park where the students sit is far cleaner. So an individual Principle with a different approach can indeed make a difference. Hopefully Jutta's experience is a one-off!

M. G. wrote:

Hi all,

If anyone is interested in making "keep our park clean, take your garbage home" signs and place them around the park I think this would give people a message not to leave a footprint in the park.

Please put these signs around bins and tables!

We can see the difference a little community effort can make!

See you in the park,

M. A. wrote:

Hello all - If dumping is illegal, have we requested/is there some police presence there to fine people who are dumping? I heard reports that police were fining people who drove all the way out to transfer stations, but couldn't get in (blocked by pickters) left their garbage just outside the gate and were handed a $380 ticket! Seems like police presence may be warranted around Christie Pits to deter people from dumping in our park.

A. wrote:

Trapped here in my office - I am wondering what is and isn't happening at the park during the strike. I expected a meeting with a representative from Scadding Court to be postponed due to it, but to my surprise and pleasure they are from a different Local and it was business as usual!

Hence my curiosity.

Jutta Mason wrote:

The rec workers at Dufferin Grove and all other city parks and community centres are CUPE Local 79, so they're on strike.

Every rec worker you see at the wading pool, rink, Friday Night Supper, pizza days etc, is classified as a part-time worker, making from $9.75 (students) up to $16 (the coordinators) an hour. Their hours are currently capped at 30, to make sure that the city never has to pay them any benefits (e.g. they get zero sick days). Parks, Forestry and Recreation runs most of the actual programs, city-wide, using the approximately 10,000 part-time workers -- what a bargain! But not a bargain for these workers -- they live so close to the line that many will have big trouble paying their July rent. The wage differential within the city is huge, when you figure that the parks managers make more than city councillors (and the managers are paid six times what the long-time Dufferin Grove coordinators make).

I've heard that the City is proposing to cap all the part-time workers at 20 hours a week to make sure there is no talk, ever, about giving them benefits.

So the story is a lot more complicated than what you hear on the news. Some of the Dufferin Grove rec staff will be at the market this Thursday, willing to talk to anyone interested in the issues. If you like the wading pool, the park benches, the gardens, the ovens, the rink, etc., have a chat with those rec staff. Might as well get to know a bit more about the infrastructure, since the strike could go on for many weeks.

There will be a new newsletter on Thursday, with more information.

P. G. wrote:

Thanks for this Jutta.. Is the market still operating this Thursday(tomorrow)-vendors, rink house access etc..?

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[+June 25, 2009+], 11 e-mails

G. M. wrote:

Hello everyone,

I want to invite everyone to a public meeting that the Friends of Christie Pits are hosting at the scene of the temporary dump site in our park. The time is Friday evening at 7pm-8pm, and the place is the Christie Pits Ice Rink.

At the meeting, you can voice your concern about the city's choice of Christie Pits, and the eight other parks being used by the city as dumps. We have invited Councillor Joe Pantalone to attend.

We will also talk about what we can still do to have Christie Pits Park removed from the list of temporary dump sites. We have Joe Pantalone's support on this point, as he wrote to the Friends of Christie Pits in an email: "I will continue to advocate for the removal of the temporary dump."

From the map that the city put out of temporary dump sites, Christie Pits is nearly the only location within the central area of the city. See: http://www.toronto.ca/labour-relations/index.htm#mapdrops

Surely, Christie Pits is not the only possible place within that entire area! The park is planned to receive hundreds of tons of garbage from all over the central city.

We'll talk about what we can do to help Mr. Pantalone have that happen, and to make sure that it will never happen again. Parks are not dumps!

Please forward this message to any neighbourhood lists you may be on.

If you can help with postering your street for this event, please email me at govindrao(at)gmail.com, or simply pick up some copies of posters from our porch at 763 Crawford Street. Or print out copies of the pdf and post. We need help to get the word out.

I hope to see you tomorrow,

A. T. wrote:

A recent update from Joe Pantalone I have to say that I am not feeling very hopeful if the Deputy Mayor doesnt haven't any influence to stop this happening:

From: JoePantalone

To the Friends of Christie Pits and community,

Over the past few days, I have been advocating strongly with Joe Pennachetti (City Manager), Geoff Rathbone (Solid Waste Management), Richard Butts (Deputy City Manager) and Mayor Miller's office, NOT to use Christie Pits as one of the City's alternate dump sites.

Until this afternoon, City staff refused to share the 19 sites with City Councillors.

I provided City staff with alternate locations in my ward and did not receive the courtesy of serious consideration of those alternate sites!

I strongly oppose the use of this location as a dump site and will continue to advocate this position.

Christie Pits should not be used as a dump!

B. L. wrote:

Deputy Mayor is a meaningless honourific. The position is made up, and completely without power or responsibilities in law.

However... as our Councillor, one would think that Joe would have some sway over the goings on here. Shocking to see that he doesn't.

A. T. wrote:

And here is the response - I am posting this as I assume that people are interested in what is happening over at Christie Pitts. Thanks

Dear Joe,

Thanks for your note on this and our common view. However, I'm quite concerned if you, the Deputy Major of Toronto, do not have the power to stop the city from using Christie Pits.... That makes absolutely no sense to me and all of my friends in my neighbourhood - your Ward. It should be up to the people in the Ward (through you) where the dump site should be. I'd like to know where these people (City manager, head of solid waste mgmt, etc.) live, and I'd be glad to drop my garbage in their parks....assuming they have allocated their park as a dump site as well....

Please use whatever is in your power (!) to stop these people from wrecking our neighbourhood and making it VERY unsafe for the children (and adults). AND please put these people back to work NOW!! They should not be allowed to go on strike. This should be deemed an essential service - if they don't like their salaries and benefits, we should outsource it (like Etobicoke) to companies that are more than willing to do this job for less.

J. B. wrote:

This whole situation is appalling. Sunnyside is the welcome to Toronto as you drive in from Airport and US.....it is disgusting and stinks. Why is it that we don't hear of dumps being made out of beaches in the East end of the City? Christie Pitts is important for many reasons. Yesterday there were several older folks sitting out on the benches and children enjoying summer and NOW Mr. P (our Deputy Mayor) seems to think it's fine to use City Parks as dumping grounds. Please. There are lots of people who are looking for work and contractors who can guarantee pick up of trash on regular schedules.....HIRE THEM!

My concern is that there are many families who cannot leave the city in the summer either due to financial constraints or other issues. Parks, pools and fun should be available for them without having to share the areas with festering garbage, rodents and raccoons. No summer camp, no Center Island Amusement Park, no ball games in Christie Pitts, no farmer's markets.....punishment for living in the city when those suburbs are so inviting.

Our councillors are yes men to Mr. Miller and his merry gang. If I didn't see some of them enjoying coffee on Saturday mornings in the hood, I'd think they too lived outside the city. Guess you have to have a Toronto address to be a politician here even if there is nothing to show for voting them into office.

It is time to go back to work folks. Sick Days are for being sick and not savings accounts. I'm self-employed and don't have these luxuries that city workers feel is their right. Frankly sick of being held hostage by an ungrateful bunch of retrogrades.....

C. wrote:

It seems that it is becoming less and less acceptable for unions to strike. The immediate reaction from the public (often mimicking the media's demonization of the union workers) is that they have no right to do anything that will inconvenience our comfortable city lives. When the York strike was happening it was that they had no right to strike because students had paid for their classes already. Why is the blame on the unions? I'm not sure about this one, but at York the administration basically refused to negotiate, waited, and then pulled in the government to force workers back. Seems a bit unfair to me. Pointing fingers is so much easier than listening.

I certainly don't like having to deal with garbage/compost/recycling piling up. I definitely don't like the idea of the parks being used to hold it. But, I do think that this is a service we take for granted. I remember during the strike in 2002 thinking that it would be great if the strike encouraged everyone to make an effort to reduce the amount of garbage they put out. We waste so much. At the very least, the strike does give us a chance to reflect on ways we can bring the garbage quantities down.

And, I suspect there is much more to this strike than just garbage. This is also similar to the York strike in that there are lots of different kinds of workers striking (Jutta's email about park workers gave a hint of this). Some are just more 'visible' than others. I'm refusing to point a finger at the union. The city and the union need to find a way to come to an agreement - there are TWO parties in this strike.

R. wrote:

I spoke with Ann in Joe Pants' office and apparently the following 4 people are responsible for establishing the list of dumping sites:

Joe Pennachetti, City Manager (416-392-3551) Geoff Rathbone Gen. Manager Solid Waste Management (416-392-4715) David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health Richard Butts, 416-338-7200

I cannot find their email addresses anywhere on the City's site and they are not divulging the info when I call Access Toronto...how ironic!

I'm putting calls in and also emailing Joe Pants' office.

A. J. wrote:

Thanks for your rapid response Geoff. Surely that's an issue at the disposal end, the landfill end - nothing to do with the householder.

The consequences of not separating at the consumer-end include bulky bags of mixed 'smelly' waste and inert garbage piling up in yards and parks for the rats and raccoons to savour and rip open.

The problem will be worse for eco-friendly or poorer households without cars, i.e. your 'friends', as well as for landlord-run rental properties, some of these guys are also your friends! It seems crazy to make it worse on your friends - at a time when you need our support.

In addition, it will undermine years of slow public education - please don't imagine that everyone will quickly relearn at the flick of a switch, it's taken a couple of years to get here.

Solutions - if you stick to separating, people can keep their inert garbage at home a little longer, while their compostable and smelly green bins can stay sealed closed. Most people don't fill their green bins up that quickly. Otherwise you will end up with garbage overflowing into unsightly, weak, bulky, pest-ridden garbage bags much more rapidly.

If the strike continues, then you could have your park drop-off points for green bin waste only - and control it more carefully as the quantities will be much much smaller... easier to contain, easier to remove.

Think about the knock on effects on our parks and our kids - big piles of harder to manage garbage leeching into/spilling over onto playgrounds used by kids already deprived of daycare spaces, swimming pools, rec centres...

Please think about this and if necessary update citizens with a smarter solution - don't worry about U-turns or mixed messages, just be a strong leader, ready to update and adapt!

N. C. wrote:

I'm guessing that no amount of angry notes from local residents is going to change the city's mind about using Moss Park as a garbage dump, but if you are keeping a running total, you can count this as one. I'm sure we will be told that everyone has to pitch in and that the decision is final. Seems to me a lot of the city's problems end up being dumped in and around Moss Park.

This is just going to perpetuate the image of this neighbourhood as a place no-one cares about.

I have to say that it boggles the mind that a grass playing field is somehow more appropriate than an asphalt parking lot or other non-porous surface. We're going to wreck the field (which is used almost continuously), and I can only imagine what's going to be left behind when it is eventually cleared.

What I would like to do is explore every possible means to reduce the impact of the dumping activity. Will there be pickets? How will the flow of traffic be controlled and where will cars line up while they wait for their turn? People in air conditioned cars are not going to want to turn off their engines with bags of garbage in their car, but can we do something to monitor idling? Will there be staff monitoring that the garbage actually gets to the fenced in area as opposed to just dumped on the first patch of grass that people see?

I'm sure this won't be the last note on this subject. Expect more as the dump gets up and running, and the problems start to accumulate.

From: Councillor Rae

We understand where you're coming from, and won't deny that having a temporary drop-off site across the street won't serve as a smelly eyesore.

That aside, it's important that the city put in place contingency plans for residents to drop off their trash in a manner that is safe, convenient and as sanitary as possible given the current circumstances. It's unrealistic to think that people living downtown will transport their garbage to one of the transfer stations outside of the downtown core. Not everyone has access to a car, so there needs to be local drop-off locations. In speaking to Kyle, he feels the City would be negligent if it did not provide a means for residents to conveniently drop off their trash within the downtown core.

There are a few downtown sites, like Moss Park, that have a community centre nearby to house administrative functions, which is why the site is being used. If it's any consolation, Moss Park is not the only park to be used as a temporary garage drop off site. Even so-called posh neighbourhoods like the Old Mill and High Park will see green space converted into temporary waste sites.

I will do my best to see if a portion of the park can remain open for public use, as some have requested.

Again, I fully appreciate your frustrations and can only ask for patience given the state of affairs.
Ryan Lahr
EA to Kyle Rae

D. M. wrote:

Thank you for your response. I echo the sentiments in Nick's email below-- the fact that the City is using a grassy park area as a garbage dump is a very poor decision, from a health and safety and an environmental perspective. It is going to be a mess.

Point of clarification - I did hear on the news, that the area they are using in the Old Mill/Humber Park is actually the parking lot for the park - not green space.

In response to Kyle's concern for persons without a car having easy access to drop off garbage, well, good old Moss Park does seem like the simple solution from a political point of view.

I am sure we will all have more concerns as the situation unfolds. Let's get this strike settled, and quickly.

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[+June 26, 2009+], 9 e-mails

M. G wrote:

Hi all,

We are deeply disappointed in the opening of Christie Pits Ice Rink Dump.

Although Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone has been a strong supporter of Christie Pits park in the past he wasn't able to follow through with his original promise to protect the parks as dumps. Friends of Christie Pits Park is putting together a public meeting tonight Friday June 26th at the ice rink at 7p.m. to voice your concerns and discuss ways to lessen the impact on the park.

The cars are lining up on Crawford St. and dumping into the ice rink area. Many residents on Crawford have put up signs on their lawns 'PARKS ARE NOT DUMPS' OR 'THE PIT IS NOT A DUMP' just as a reminder to people dumping is not acceptable in parks. Volunteers can make signs and put them all along Crawford St. and stake them into the ground (like lawn signs)

Let's lessen the impact of this dump site by providing alternatives as much as possible.

Seaton Village Residents Association has offered to do a group garbage collection on Monday June 28th to minimize the impact on parks please have a look at %l newwin%[[http:www.seatonvillage.ca}} (This is a great community response!)

Please hold on to your garbage (as long as you can) and keep on recycling.

Start your own vegetable compost in your backyard (if you have one) or drop off to the Christie Pits Community Garden.

Encourage people to take home their garbage while in the park.

Pizza Night is cancelled, we have no parks and recreation staff to operate the pizza oven. Please come to our Public Meeting tonight at 7p.m. instead.

Thank you for all your support. Let's minimize the impact of this dump as much as possible.

G. R. wrote:

Hi everyone,

Toronto's medical officer of health, Dr. David McKeown made these comments at the press conference yesterday:

"The dumps will have 24-hour security, pest and odour controls, the city said. Toronto's medical officer of health, Dr. David McKeown, said there is no evidence of a health hazard.

"A well-managed temporary garbage storage site, even if it is a large one, does not create a health hazard. It may be unattractive, cause odour, which can certainly be unpleasant, but this in itself does not pose a threat to human health."

A resident of Crawford Street, Boris Steipe, had this response:

“As you know, I am neither an expert in public health nor waste management so these are my personal opinions, albeit as a Biochemist and MD they are somewhat informed opinions.

My main concern about the ice-rink is that it does not drain well. As we have seen this morning at the drop-off, many residents bring organic waste in bags that are leaking fetid, putrid fluids. These will pool on the concrete surface and any rainfall will compound the problem. Obviously such nutrient-rich puddles are ideal breeding grounds for flies, but there will also be problems with molds, which can be both toxic and pathogenic. It seems the city is aware of the problems with squirrels, rats and mice since they have mentioned rodent control, and they are surely considering the scores of raccoons that live in the neighborhood...

However controlling the impact of such irresponsible dumping will require significant use of chemicals: insecticides, fungicides, rodent poison ... these toxins will seep into and contaminate the porous concrete when applied, and they will be released over time when kids return to play basketball or street hockey.

It really makes me wonder what rationale is behind garbage-dumping in our public parks. Such a measure could be conceived as a last-ditch resort in the face of real and imminent hazards but certainly not as the convenience solution as it is now.”

Please come to the public meeting at 7pm tonight at the Ice Rink to discuss these and other health concerns.

From: Anne Freeman
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 12:45 PM
To: City Manager Joe Pennachetti; Mayor David Miller; Mark Ferguson; Ann Dembinski
Cc: Councillor Paula Fletcher; Pat Daley; Cathy Bartolic;
Adam Giambrone; Pam Mcconnell Subject: urgent: farmers' markets need to continue

To The City of Toronto and CUPE Locals 416 and 79:

The current strike has had a serious, unintended consequence for our local market farmers. With markets at civic centres closed, and permits cancelled across the city, farmers who have invested heavily in crops that must be harvested at this time are faced with potentially devastating losses. These farmers cannot wait until the strike is resolved to sell the food they produce.

We need the support of both The City and CUPE to reinstate our city's farmers' markets immediately. These events are not city-run, and like the Jazz Festival, should be allowed to proceed.

We are asking The City and CUPE to permit use of municipal properties for farmers' markets providing they do not cross picket lines or do the work of CUPE members. As vendors are normally expected to remove any garbage associated with their operation, this would take place in the usual manner. The Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association and The Greenbelt Farmers' Market Network will reinforce the importance of this through ongoing communications with all markets.

For the sake of local farmers and our valuable local food supply, please act to allow farmers' markets to recommence without delay. All vendors are on standby, waiting for news about the markets. We are asking for resolution of this issue by Sunday June 28th.

Sincerely,

Anne Freeman
Co-ordinator
Toronto Farmers' Market Network
Greenbelt Farmers' Market Network
416-536-9103

From: Pat Daley <pdaley@cupe.ca>

To: Anne Freeman

Dear Ms Freeman and Ms Bartolic,

On behalf of Local 416 and Local 79, thank you for your letter. Decisions on permits or use of municipal property are not ours to make. Our locals have no problem with farmers’ markets continuing operations under the terms that you have outlined – that they do not cross picket lines and do not perform the work of CUPE members. This afternoon we are issuing the attached news release calling on the City to allow farmers’ markets to operate under those terms for the duration of the strike.

Sincerely,

Pat Daley

CUPE Communications

From: Anne Freeman

Now it's in the city's court.

A. wrote:

Hello all - a friend forwarded this to me, from the Toronto Eagles group. They're gathering at 7pm near the clubhouse in case anyone wants to join.

From: Toronto Eagles

We are cancelling all playing functions related to the Toronto Eagles Soccer Club on Friday June 26. We are having a gathering/meeting at Christie Pits tomorrow evening at 7:00pm. We will gather at the top of the hill at the clubhouse with hopes of spreading awareness of dumping at city parks. If the city keeps Christie Pits as 1 of the 19 dumping sites, the Toronto Eagles Clubhouse will be closed for the duration of the dumping.

As a Club we feel that it is unacceptable to make the city parks a dumping zone, not just Christie Pits but all of our community parks. We are asking for the support of all of our members (coaches, players, parents, family members, and supporters) to be shown tomorrow evening.

Let’s show the city we are serious about our youth programs and our city parks.

For the Games,

G. R. wrote:

Hi A, Thanks for sending this out. The Friends of Christie Pits have organized tonight's meeting together with the Toronto Eagles. Their clubhouse is right beside the ice rink. Best,

K. H. wrote:

I believe the citizens have to show the way and take positive action to refuse the trash from the parks. We need to organize a citizens campaign and make the parks safe and clean for our kids to play in this summer and for our greens to grow. We can build composters for wet waste and use our creativity to make our parks trash-free. Let's start Now! Schools out and the kids need our park space and green space. It is after all a Public Space not a trash bin.

Sorry for the "trash talk" but lets mobilize!

P. M. wrote:

I hope you're holding up well, I would not want to have your job right now.

Considering Kyle is on the executive council (I believe) I must admit that I am dismayed that neither Kyle nor his office were informed in advance that Moss Park would be used as an emergency garbage dump as you indicated during our walkabout last Friday to review the deficiencies I reported (which I have attached for the others on the CC list). Ryan, you were not in Kyle's office during the last outside municipal workers strike when Moss Park was also turned into an emergency garbage dump; at that time we constituents of Kyle's requested that he propose alternate sites in the event there was another strike in the future, this was done through Michael Robertson. As this is the only recreational green space in downtown Toronto I am amazed that this has happened again. I am therefore curious to know what alternate sites Kyle proposed and why those were rejected? Can you also tell me if there is an online inventory of city owned properties?

Having said that, what is done is done and like the others have stated I would like to minimize the negative effects of this current situation, therefore after day one I have the following to report.

Most people who work downtown have several options as a means of transportation, bike, transit, cars. If you choose to drive downtown you can park in one of the many private lots, municipal lots or paid street parking. I therefore do not understand why the able bodied workers who are stationed in Moss Park for this temporary garbage dump must further show their disrespect for our park and community by parking in the park itself (as can be seen in the following pictures taken yesterday afternoon). Why do they think they have this privilege? Can you please ask them to stop this?

Further, in an email from the councillor yesterday he stated that these temporary garbage sites would have 24 hour security. Walking my dog through the park after the Jays game last night at 22h36 I watched with dismay as a guy pushed a sofa on a dolly passed the security guard and illegally dumped it in the centre of park then casually walked past the guard. I took pictures of this on my mobile and the sofa was still there for all to see this morning. I then approached the guard and asked him if it was not his job to stop the guy and he said he had tried which I clearly saw he did not. In all honesty the guard was by himself and I do not blame him. You can confirm this happened because after I approached the guard he got on his radio and then he started to write a report. My question is, as this happened after only day one, what further steps can you take to tighten the illegal dumping in Moss Park?

I love my neighbourhood and it's park I would encourage everyone to walk with a camera and make note of situations like the above.

R. L. wrote:

Earlier today, I met with D. M. and we briefly toured the park. I committed to her that I would request that the dump location be curtailed and that more of the park be made available for public use. Also, I will immediately follow-up with the Director of Solid Waste to advise of the security issues.

As far as I know, no other locations in Ward 27 have been approved by the Ministry of the Environment to serve as temporary waste sites. The fact of the matter is that everyone hates the plan, however, the ramifications of not preparing for an extended strike and providing adequate locations for people to dump their trash would have wide-ranging negative implications - far beyond the restricted use of, and the wear and tear on, the parks that have been selected as temporary drop-off sites.

The other large green spaces in this ward include Allan Gardens and Queen's Park, however, these sites don't come close to meeting the MOE criteria. Also, logistically, these sites have issues with traffic or streetcar operations and have no or limited administrative space.

Again, I will address your concerns with management staff and see what can be done to better secure the site I plead for your patience.

---

[+June 27, 2009+], 7 emails

M. G. wrote:

Hi all,

Over 100 people showed their solidarity at last nights rally at the Christie Pits Ice Rink.

It was great seeing so many people show their collective disappointment over the new temporary dump site in the park. The rink was almost 1/3 full after only 12hours of operation...imagine what can happen after a week.

The message was clear.....PARKS ARE NOT DUMPS!.....Parks are for People.

There were many community speakers including; Joe Silva and Stone (Toronto Eagles Soccer), Boris Steipe, Dr. Greg Silverman, Eban Bari, Govind Rao, Jonathon, Leslie Endes (Seaton Village Residents Association), Christine and other residents.

A protest is planned for Sunday June 28th from 7a.m. to 11a.m. Please bring your signs to the Crawford St. entrance (where there seems to be a large group of City employees with yellow t-shirts with "Customer Service" written on them...I guess they're greeters?)

Thank you for all your support and let's continue to find alternatives to Dumping in Parks!

B. S. wrote:

A few of us sat on Govind's porch to talk about what to do next. As an immediate activity, we think picketing the entrance at Crawford street will be an important first step. This should be a limited, focused, information picket.

• - We will see how many people actually can be mobilized into activity;
• - Regardless of dumpsters and other alternatives, we will reduce the number of bags that would end up in the rink;
• - Elected officials can shut the dump down and media response is effective to influence their actions;
• - We can target the people who have the most need for information, not preach to the converted. So, if you are in the mood for some friendly, engaging conversations that maybe make a difference, come join us at Christie Pits Dump This Sunday, June 26. 2009 7:00 am to to 11:00 am Bring some signs, bring your friends, the more the merrier.

T. F. wrote:

Just walked to the park with my young boys and the stench is shocking. Plenty of yellow clad staffers helping a steady stream of traffic including a cube van load (driver of which of now brushing out the garbage scrps onto the sidewalk.

See you ALL at the picket tomorrow morning.

C. L. wrote:

For those who are planning to be at the gathering on Sunday morning , here are the slogans for signs we have compiled thus far. I've lifted a couple from peoples' comments on the petition list (thank you for your creative input!). Please feel free to send me more clever ones if you want...the shorter, the better, of course. Do bring your own sign, if you have one!

• Parks are Not Dumps!
• Parks are for People
• NO to Dumping in our Parks
• The City is Us
• Parks are for Refuge, NOT Refuse!
• Democracy in the Dumps
• Toronto... a City Within a Dump (made to look like the parks signs that say "a city within a park ")

See you there and don't forget to tell friends and neighbours!

R. K. wrote:

Thank you for making these points, C. I have been very discouraged by the growing disregard for labour rights and conditions of employment -- especially at a time when the very people and corporations who created this economic mess in the first place are getting tax cuts and handouts. I don't like having to accumulate our home garbage and recycling either, but it's a very minor inconvenience given the much bigger issues involved. It should also be possible to be against the way the City is handling the strike (eg garbage in the parks) without demanding even more attacks against City workers and their attempt to defend themselves from contract rollbacks.

Do working people have the right to decent working conditions, wages and benefits, and to be treated with respect by their employers -- or are these "privileges" only reserved for the usual crowd of pampered executives and professionals? If these things are progressively stripped away from categories of workers who achieved them after years of difficult organizing, negotiation and struggle, what becomes of those many other workers who don't yet have them? Why were such working-class gains possible in the past, and not now when labour productivity and overall abundance and wealth have actually grown several fold?

Shame on Mayor Miller for going after thousands of City workers like this. And shame on the hacks in the corporate media who have offered such one-sided and hysterical coverage of the strike.

V. S. wrote:

Further to your points below, a friend of mine who is on strike (not a garbage collector) told me that there is a large percentage of the strikers who do not have the 18 days sickness benefit that has become such a lightning rod for media and public anger. In fact, anyone who has worked for the city for less than 20 years. He asserted that they are trying to defend and gain something for the part-time workers who have no benefits at all, which was the group Jutta mentioned. He told me that they had offered to give up a week's vacation and also other benefits as well as agree to two years of zero % increase with 2% in the third year in return. if what he says is true, it appears that their Union Representatives have done a very poor job of publicizing their position and rationale.

In any case, it seems to me that the City Negotiators who earn far more than the city workers and supposedly have expertise in negotiations should be thoroughly ashamed that they have not been able to negotiate a contract. They have had a sufficient time frame in which to come to a deal. In fact I am wondering whether it has been a deliberate ploy on their part to bring the union to this strike. I am fast losing all faith in David Miller's leadership qualities as Mayor of this City.

I worked many years in negotiations and know that there are two sides to every story. I would like to see the full details of the final bargaining positions from both sides of the table and I am sure there must be others who would agree.

C. H. wrote:

Hi, following the news, I think our groups have a shared concern about the City using our public parks as dumps for private garbage. We have two large dumping areas set up in the parks at Sunnyside beach in our neighbourhood too. I am wondering if you would be interested in discussing any ideas of what we might be able to do jointly to continue to advance opposition to this issue.

I have created a facebook group called Get the Garbage Dumps put of Toronto's Parks - if you would like to encourage your supporters to join.

Thanks and good luck.

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