THUNDER BAY – A motion calling for transit operators to be added to a provincial list of workers receiving “pandemic pay” was defeated by the narrowest of margins at city hall Monday evening.
Coun. Kristen Oliver’s motion, which lost on a 7-6 vote, would have seen the city advocate for drivers to join nurses, PSWs, correctional officers, and other frontline workers receiving a $4 an hour pay boost from the province during the pandemic, as well as $250 a month for those working more than 100 hours. The motion also originally included paramedics, before the government belatedly added the profession to its list earlier this week.
Some councillors felt it was difficult for the city to advocate for one segment of workers to receive the benefits and not others.
“[There are] individuals in the private sector who in my view don’t have the same protections as unionized workers within the city who really could use this extra $4 an hour,” said Coun. Cody Fraser. “I think specifically of people working in retail, especially grocery stores. I’m very hesitant to single out a specific sector, especially one that is non-health care related – even though I definitely sympathize.”
Oliver began debate by saying she didn’t want her motion to be taken as a slight against other workers who were also on the frontlines, saying constituents had reached out to urge the inclusion of various other sectors, including grocery store employees. However, she said she wanted to keep the scope of the motion within the city’s purview.
“This is to address those under the direct employment of the city,” she said.
That distinction ultimately didn’t convince enough councillors.
“I have nothing against advocating for what the union is asking for,” said Coun. Mark Bentz. “I do feel we should also be talking about and advocating for other people in the city who are our constituents, and they’re working very closely with people.”
Bentz also expressed concerns about mounting costs to the taxpayer for the provincial program.
Coun. Peng You asked for an update on steps taken by the city to protect drivers, saying that was even more important than any financial support. Community services manager Kelly Robertson told councillors the city had supplied drivers with surgical masks and hand sanitizer, as well as blocking off a section of buses extending about nine feet behind the driver.
The city has adjusted its route schedule with a goal of keeping the number of passengers per bus to a maximum of 15, even at peak times, said Robertson. Research is also being done on air flow within buses, she said.
Drivers continue to support those with disabilities in embarking and disembarking, Robertson pointed out, while drivers with the city’s Lift+ service, which provides transit to those with disabilities, have particularly close contact with clients. The city is looking to acquire N95 masks for those drivers.
Councillors Shelby Ch’ng, Andrew Foulds, Kristen Oliver, Aldo Ruberto, Peng You, and Mayor Bill Mauro voted in favour of the motion. Councillors Albert Aiello, Mark Bentz, Cody Fraser, Trevor Giertuga, Brian Hamilton, Rebecca Johnson, and Brian McKinnon voted against.
Coun. Andrew Foulds later pushed for a revote on the motion with a slight change in wording, but that bid also failed.
