'Question of trust'

Cop union sues chief over human rights, disciplinary action

By JONATHAN JENKINS, TORONTO SUN

Two long-simmering disputes between the Toronto Police Association and Chief Bill Blair have led to a "complete breakdown" between the two, TPA president Dave Wilson said yesterday.

"It is a question of trust and leadership, without which the public cannot have confidence in their police leaders," Wilson said in announcing the plan to sue Blair.

"The breach of agreement by the chief destroys that trust (and) it destroys our ability to work with the chief and senior command."

It's yet another low point in the often bitter labour relations of local police.

It was only four years ago that 90% of the union rank and file voted no-confidence in then-chief Julian Fantino.

Wilson said the association had no choice but to try and haul Blair into court after he went back on two separate agreements it had reached after painstaking negotiations.

The first dispute involves an incident last April when a constable asked to see Insp. Dave McLeod's ID as he filled up his vehicle at 42 Division wearing plainclothes.

McLeod, who is black, suggested the officer wouldn't have asked for his ID if he was white.

The officer reported the incident to his superior and McLeod filed a human rights complaint.

The second dispute revolves around disciplinary action against 60 officers who were identified as having worn their uniforms at last November's union rally at City Hall, in direct contravention of Blair's order.

"In the first situation in 42 Division, we had an oral agreement walking out of a meeting and the chief turned around and said I'm not going to abide by it," Wilson said.

"In the second one we had a written agreement via e-mail and the chief turned around and said I'm not going to abide by it."

The TPA is now seeking to have the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services hear the 42 Division complaint, while the second dispute will be put before the Superior Court in the hope it will enforce the deal that Wilson thought he had made.

The 60 officers were docked three days pay, which the TPA covered. At dispute is whether they will face any further repercussions.

"There wasn't a signed undertaking," Deputy Chief Tony Warr said, speaking on Blair's behalf. "After some negotiation between the chief's lawyers and the association's lawyers, the chief made a determination as to the outcome of the discipline."

Warr also took issue with Wilson's charge that Blair is out of touch with the membership.

"I've never seen anyone go to a meeting with 150 rank- and-file members of this service and know every one of them by name," Warr said.

"If he's out of touch, I don't know who he's out of touch with."

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Toronto Sun, Canada31 January 2006

'Question of trust'

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Toronto Sun, Canada
31 January 2006