I just want to weigh in here on the current strike by members of the Ottawa Transit workers union. My opinions will not make me popular with many. However, they are mine, and I hold them without real malice for any.
It is my opinion that the union is making life for the people of Ottawa unnecessarily difficult, and in some cases perilous. They have made their point, that they are unhappy with the contract offered by the city. If neither side is able or willing to move, there is no point in continuing in this action. There are alternatives. If the union wanted to get their message out, mission accomplished. Move on.
The sticking point, as I understand it, is the scheduling of drivers. This is very much a safety issue. Quality of life for the drivers is important, but not at the expense of safety on the road. The system of shift scheduling that the union wants would allow drivers to work unsafe numbers of hours without thought for what is best for the riders.
The rest of us have to work hours that are not necessarily convenient for us. We are not allowing truck drivers to work more than 14 hours at a stretch, without an 8 hour rest period. Should people carrying the lives of people not be as responsible as those carrying canned goods?
Most importantly, it's time to move away from the chaos that has been caused by this strike. Lives have been disrupted enough already.
Go to binding arbitration. If neither the city nor the union can be adult enough to compromise in some way, then it's time for somebody to decide what is best for the public that both sides claim to be serving. If the drivers are unhappy during this process, they can still picket, in a safe way, but on their own time. They will be seen and heard.
Students have lost time. They might lose the work of a whole semester. Some university and college students were held at picket lines, with the union members knowing fully that it would cause them to possibly fail entire courses. If I were those students, I would seriously consider a class action suit against the union and the city for the cost of tuition for the semester lost.
The same thought applies to those who lost their jobs, their livelihoods, because one group is so determined to get what it believes is its prerogatives, and another would not compromise, or put forth a new proposal. Daycare, lost wages, lost business and lost security. The tally is mind-boggling.
Like it or not, Transit is an essential service. Get it together people, and get things moving.
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