Science News

A deepening garbage strike now entering its third week is sullying Torontos reputation as one of the worlds cleanest cities, with overflowing trash cans turning off tourists and residents alike.

Karey was walking along Queen Street West, a busy retail street in Toronto, where local businesses are now witnessing mounds of smelly black bags strewn about on the sidewalks, which have piled up since the strike started on June 22.

“I definitely noticed all the rubbish around, its not what you think of when coming to Canada,” said Australian, Cheryl Karey, who was on holiday in Toronto.

For more than 15 days now none of the garbage and recycling units that dot most street corners in Canadas largest city have been emptied.

“Its disgusting, theres garbage flying around everywhere, we have to sweep the patio every 30 minutes just to keep it presentable,” said Vicki Rivard, manager at Davids Tea on the street.

A block away, street vendor Anthony Vilanova says business is already being hit.

And it is the second time in seven years that garbage pick-up has been disrupted, with the last civic strike in 2002.

Two union groups, representing over 30,000 full and part-time city workers including garbage collectors and office staff, have gone on strike protesting proposed cuts in benefits and sick pay.

“The garbage is everywhere, I cant even move to another corner,” he said, as he sat next to an overflowing trash can.

According to an Angus Reid Poll conducted during the first week, 76 percent of 600 residents were opposed to the strike and 81 percent favored provincial back-to-work legislation. The poll had a four percent margin of error.

The key demand is for workers to keep 18 sick days per year, bankable until retirement.

Residents have been taking their garbage to 19 temporary sites in parks, parking lots and a hockey rink during the strike.

“I think what theyre doing is ridiculous, I have no sympathy for them in this economy, I never get paid for sick days, let alone being able to bank them,” said Toronto resident Jeanette Janzen.

“Its smelly and I hope it ends soon,” added Renee Coutts, as she walked by the Moss Park site.

“I cant tolerate it, I was going to take a picnic this afternoon nearby, but the smell is too much,” said Sandra Cripps, a resident who lives two blocks away from one of the temporary sites at Moss Park.

Two of the sites, at Christie Pits and York Mills arena, were closed at the weekend as they were filled to capacity. The site at Christie Pits had garbage stacked about two meters high and filled an entire outdoor hockey arena.

The strike has also shut down local swimming pools, day-care centers and golf courses. In addition to the overflowing garbage units on sidewalks, over 500,000 homes and 20,000 small businesses are not getting their weekly pickup of garbage or recyclable items such as paper and cans.

On Friday, Toronto city mayor, David Miller started to lose patience with the unions.

“Ive been able to smell it for a week, garbage delivery should be an essential service, its a health risk,” said Lisa Vettelli who lives directly across from the site.

“This strike should be settled, it can be settled, and it will be settled if people recognize the citys financial situation and agree to an affordable contract,” he said. “And back-to-work legislation that provides arbitration wont do that.”

“I want to say to the unions and to the people they represent: enough is enough. Weve made progress at the bargaining table this week and now is the time to end this strike,” said Miller.