Union rage, toll trouble, HST hedge: Ford’s fresh headaches

Plus: Mac Block money pit

ABOVE THE FOLD

DOUG FORD’S HOT MIC HIGHLIGHTS — Another day, another headline-grabbing presser from the Premier — this one dishing up union fury, toll trouble, and an oh-so-casual backpedal on his HST-cut fantasy. From OPS desks to driver drama to fire-fighting fleets, Ford’s latest media avail had a little something for everyone — and plenty for critics to chew on.

Public servants get the back-to-office boot: Starting January 5, more than 60,000 civil servants must be back in the office full-time — phasing in with four days in-office this fall.

Ford leaned into the ol’ water-cooler homage, saying that “everyone’s more productive when they’re at work…How do you mentor someone over the phone? You can’t.” He also pointed to the economic benefits, like reviving businesses in Toronto’s PATH, which has become something of a ghost town post-pandemic.

Cue union blowback: AMAPCEO President DAVE BULMER said he was “incensed” and insisted “remote work works.” Bulmer accused the government of for…