Wow..

I need to add a little preface to this:


It’s taken me a little bit to sit down and type this one out. The driver has since returned to work.

I know there’s a law against talking on your cell phone while driving, but there is too much wrong with the recent firing of a TTC streetcar driver for using his cell phone when the internal communications unit wouldn’t work.


The driver was initially let go for using his cell phone to call the department calling him to find out what they wanted to tell him. Basically, the unit they use allows for the drivers to be notified of emergencies or other issues. So, thinking there might be a problem, and being left with a non-functioning communications unit, he stopped the streetcar, put on the four-way flashers and called using his cell phone. He found himself jobless because TTC protocol is to stop, get out of the car, and find a landline.

My question is simply this: Why?? Why would you want the operator to leave a car full of passengers to try and find a landline to use? Depending on the area it could mean either bothering someone behind a counter to use the phone (and a lot of places won’t unless it’s to call 911) or knocking on someone’s door. The other option you ask? Finding a payphone where they don’t exist. Needle, meet haystack. Really, would it not be safer for all involved for the driver to do what he did? Or, should he have ignored the calls and gone on, possibly putting many lives in danger? It’s not like he was careening down the tracks at 50 km/h while talking on the phone to his wife on his cell.

The other thing that leaves a bad taste about the whole thing is the reaction by the leader of the Amalgamated Transit Union 113, Bob Kinnear. Mr Kinnear has his panties in a bunch already because Rob Ford is talking about making the TTC an essential service, thereby removing the right to strike. Well, now he’s throwing a hissy fit, saying this firing was done simply to demoralize unionized workers.

Tell me, does that compute with ANYONE other than Bob Kinnear? Anyone?? *crickets* Thought so..

The firing of Mohammed Aden (the driver) is not part of this “witch hunt” as Kinnear calls it. Just because you don’t agree with Rob Ford doesn’t automatically make everything about you, Bobby..



Yes, the firing was wrongful. (I am happy they reinstated him) Mr Aden should (and does) have his job back. He did everything in his power to ensure the people on his streetcar were safe. What Bobby SHOULD be doing is working with the TTC policymakers to update this obviously outdated policy. Not to mention getting the TTC to update their communication systems.

Now, I’m not a fan of unions. Too often I’m sickened by the whining and posturing that comes at contract time, especially when told the cupboard’s bare. But what Bob Kinnear needs to do is try to ensure someone else doesn’t get fired for this reason, rather than twisting the facts.