Globe and Mail Math - Ipsos Reid Poll

Strike support split down the middle
City-commissioned survey shows opinion divided evenly for both union and city;CUPE chief doesn't put faith in findings

LAURA DRAKE
August 22, 2007
The Globe and Mail

[EXCERPT]

"It's not often that we actually get the side of the public. We've done what we can to make people understand," said CUPE B.C. president Barry O'Neill, adding that he "didn't put much faith" in the poll's findings.

The poll also showed that only 20 per cent of respondents say the strike has affected them a great deal, with 38 per cent saying it has affected them very little or not at all.

"It affects a whole lot of our people. I'd say 100 per cent of our people would say it's affected their lives significantly," Mr. O'Neill said.

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MY VIEW

CUPE finds a way to spin this story negatively when it is generally a positive story.

In fact 62% of respondents said they were were very (20%) or somewhat (42%) personally affected because of the strike. Then Barry O'Neil could have added that "the strike affects 100% of our people."

The Globe and Mail article should have read

The poll also showed that 62 per cent of respondents say the strike has very much or somewhat affected them, with 38 per cent saying it has affected them very little or not at all.

The G&M did combine the 38% no affect response which actually is the combination very little (12%) or not at all (26%).

Strikes come down to leverage and the withdrawal of services. If those services are not missed the strike is pointless. The poll demonstrates that even with a margin of error the strike has had an impact.

My reason for striking was based on the 39 month - 9.75% increase - and decrease in benefits. One does not negotiate immediately after an Olympic Games. 5 years is the right length and 17.5 keeps up with the cost of living.

The only bargaining issue of note beyond the terms and contract is the resolution of reclassification/revaluation disputes. If this item is sincerely tackled by both sides much of the acrimony between senior managers and staff can be reduced and the new contract could mean a fresh start in relations.