of joining a different union paying them higher benefits and higher dues. To stop the harassment of Local Union Rizzo agreed to pay $8,164 to pay dues for a certain period of time for the workers for which dues were paid to Local 586 for the same period of time. Rae was angered not only by the revelation but also Rizzo's response to the allegation. When confronted by reporters Rizzo had used the f.... word and the next day he resigned from the NDP caucus to sit as an independent member of the legislature. He said, "There was a settlement. My men were paid twice for their benefits through two unions. There's nothing wrong with that. In business, you have to face these problems once in a while," He went on to say that he expected to be back in the NDP caucus. He said, "In time, you will see I have never done anything wrong." He also accused Liberal rival, Chaviva Hošek, of being behind the accusation. "She was behind it during the campaign. This is a continuation of the campaign... you will see somebody tried to get me. Not only that, but they tried to embarrass the government and they would do the same to any member of this government to try to embarrass the government." In June 1992, Rizzo was allowed to return to the NDP caucus and, during the caucus meeting before the summer recess, Rizzo suggested to the Premier and to the Minister of Finance and the Minister Transportation to start the process for financing and construction of the Eglinton Subway that was eventually started in 1994 but later stopped by the Harris government. He said, "It's finally over. I feel vindicated." Rae said he wouldn't refuse Rizzo's request to return. In May 1994, Rizzo introduced a private member's bill that would have ensured that the courts consider grandparents in the best interest of the children. In June, Rizzo was one of twelve NDP MPPs to vote against Bill 167, proposed legislation that would have extended spousal benefits to same-sex couples. Premier Rae allowed a free vote on the legislation. Rizzo said that he felt sorry about the outcome but said he followed his personal convictions on the vote. He said, "There's nothing for me to feel vindicated about. I would have preferred a bill I could support. I did what I felt was right,