Let's take negotiation.
Now, I don't mean haggling - that good art is entirely delegated to the intrepid Ms. Rice. I realize that a certain degree of haggling is good form, but I cannot barter down the price of a hand-stitched cotton wallet when the opening salvo translates to roughly $1.75 CDN... much to the shock of the Ghanaian vendor women (and the disgust of Ms. Rice).
What I'm referring to here is negotiation. The multi-million dollar kind.
The Amalgamated Transit Union here in Capital City has been on strike for 40 some odd days, after rejecting a fairly generous offer from the city - a 7.5% increase spread over 3 years, plus more sick days and a $2,500 per head "productivity" bonus. In return, the drivers (and mechanics) are being asked to cede a bizarre provision regarding scheduling that results in "quality of life" improvements for the drivers... (ssssshhh... and the ability to manufacture $4.5 million of overtime pay per year).
Here's an accurate representation of the prevailing public sentiment, as expressed by a colorful speciality shop:
I heartily concur.On another note, it occurs to me that the Territorial Leaders (not Premiers, as that official designation is held for the poo-bahs of Provinces), are in an inherently inferior negotiating position at affairs such as the recent First Ministers' Meeting. Given their small populations, lack of capacity, and extreme dependence on Federal transfers, it's hard to imagine a situation in which the Territories would have the South over a barrel.
Enter Floyd "Tiger" Roland. My advice to the Honorable Madam Aariak and the Honorable Mr. Fentie is that they allow Floyd "Boom Boom" Roland to be the point man on all future F/P/T negotiations (guess which one he is).
After, promising a more aggressive approach to F/P/T relations, http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nwtvotes2007/story/2007/10/17/nwt-premier.html, Floyd shows he means biz-niz!
Fighting premier gets three-game suspension
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2009/01/14/8025821-cp.html
Northwest Territories Premier Floyd Roland is greeted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper before the provincial and territoral first ministers meeting in Ottawa on Friday, Jan. 11, 2008.
Few will mistake him for Dave "The Hammer" Schultz, but opponents may think twice before dropping the gloves with Northwest Territories Premier Floyd Roland.
The hulking Roland, who spends evenings patrolling the blue-line for a "B" division hockey team in Yellowknife, squared off Sunday with a feisty forward on the opposing squad.
The Yellowknife Rec Hockey League had no choice but to come down hard on the territorial premier - it handed him a three-game suspension
Truly and completely awesome. You can't get more Canadian that that!!!
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