Newscast: Toronto Flooding in Garbage

It is now Day 23, and Toronto continues to be flooded by its own filth.

A civic workers strike in Toronto has caused garbage collection to be canceled until an agreement is made between CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) and the city. CUPE members say they are unsatisfied with the recent contract handed to them by the city because it does not do enough to ensure wage increases or job security. However, one of the major issues at stake is the workers sick plan.

Under the current plan, city workers are able to cash in their unused sick days upon retirement. But the city is looking to change this because councilors say their budget is tight due to the recession. As a result, garbage is being left uncollected in neighborhoods, streets and parks all over the city. Twenty six temporary dump sites have been created for citizens to leave their trash, but these have created controversy as some of them are right next to public parks or residential neighborhoods.

Tourism is also hurting, and Mayor David Miller recently went on CNN to appeal for Americans to continue visiting the city despite the mess. Miller says there is “a little bit of light” in the negotiating process, but for now no one can really say when this strike will be over.

Many Torontonians are fed up with the strike. Many complain about how it is tarnishing the city’s image. Others worry about the health risks of the continuous smell of rotting garbage. Infestation of rodents and racoons has also been an issue at the dump sites. Many are also unhappy with the union because they feel it is unrealistic to ask for wage increases during a recession.

I cover the basics of this story in this broadcast, as well as show you footage of one of the temporary dumpsites. I also asked some people on the street how they felt about the strike.