TAY REPORT: November 4, 2009

DUNLOP: McGUINTY LIBERALS MUST RESOLVE STRIKE AT DRIVER EXAMINATION CENTRES NOW

I had the opportunity last week to speak in the Ontario Legislature about the current strike at Ontario Driver Examination Centres. The McGuinty Government must act now to resolve this ongoing dispute that is affecting far too many people. I want to use this opportunity to share with the readers of the Tay Report, the statement I made in the house and to assure you that I am greatly concerned about this strike which began August 24th.
Statement is as follows:

DRIVER EXAMINATION CENTRES

Mr. Garfield Dunlop: This past week, I spoke with many of my constituents who have come through my door seeking help and answers regarding the strike at DriveTest. Every group is affected. Our youth cannot obtain their drivers' licences at all. Numerous other individuals of all ages cannot renew or retry their licence. Livelihoods are being seriously compromised.

Out-of-province or out-of-country new residents cannot exchange or apply for their Ontario licence and, without that licence, cannot buy or insure a vehicle. Driving schools and instructors for cars up to tractor-trailers are losing business and must lay off their staff to try and compensate. Without a driver's licence, individuals cannot get a job, keep a job or even upgrade to do a better job.

In this time of high unemployment and uncertainty, adding to the problem when we can help fix it is irresponsible. The striking employees of Serco-Des perform highly skilled and often dangerous jobs. They issue government ID and are responsible for ensuring proper documentation for new Canadians and do all the testing and retesting required for all classes of drivers.

This strike is not about money. Employees are seeking security and a minimum number of hours a week without the threat of supervisors doing the work of employees.

The jobs require consistency in order to maintain the high standard that the Ontario government requires. This cannot be achieved working in an environment of uncertainty from season to season.

In the interests of public safety, with people on our highways without a truly updated and tested licence, it is the government's duty to step in and end the neglect of public safety. The government must also assist our Ontario residents in continuing their livelihoods by achieving a fair and equitable settlement.