Ford's costly police deal

The Toronto Star:

Mayor Rob Ford’s “rookie mistake” of awarding the police association a 3.19 per cent salary hike could end up costing the city more than $50 million annually, his critics charge.

“This is going to drive every single essential service contract in the city. The city has said it can afford to pay 3 per cent a year. Not only are the firefighters going to get it, but who else is going to now that they’re an essential service? The TTC,” said left-wing councillor Adam Vaughan.

“This will have a ripple through the largest employee groups in the city.”

For years the Toronto police force has been struggling to contain its rapidly ballooning $905.9 million police operating budget. In total, about 90 per cent is tied up in wage and benefits. Board members, past and present, say generous collective bargaining awards from provincial arbitrators are to blame.

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