Updated: Wed Dec. 10 2008 24:52:40

ctvottawa.ca

Blowing snow and a transit strike that's expected to paralyze the capital will be the reality facing many Ottawa commuters as OC Transpo workers walk off the job early Wednesday morning.

The Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents more than 2,100 OC Transpo drivers, dispatchers and maintenance staff, says workers will finish their overnight shifts and walk off the job in time to cripple the morning commute.

"Unfortunately, we're ready for the strike," said André Cornellier, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union.

"Usually, when you have a picket line, it's to create some kind of delay -- and that's what we plan on doing."

Heavy traffic expected

City officials are warning commuters there could be a 20 per cent increase in traffic Wednesday as picket lines go up and the strike forces residents to get back in their cars.

• Check out a list of websites offering carpooling to Ottawa commuters

The City of Ottawa's contingency plan for a strike includes asking people to carpool and stagger work hours. Some downtown bus lanes will be open to traffic and street parking hours will also be extended.

"Give yourself that extra time and use the carpooling tools that we have made available to you and be patient across all fronts," said John Manconi, director of the city's surface operations.

Commuters make alternate plans

Many Ottawa residents are already using those tools as they scramble to make alternate plans to get to work, school and other appointments.

"I have an appointment for my baby too, and it's going to be hard for me because my family works," said one transit user.

"Get a ride -- that's the only thing I can do," said another.

• How will a transit strike affect you? Have your say.

Students search for rides to exams

The situation is also taking its toll on university students who have been told exams will continue as scheduled despite a transit strike.

"I've already asked all my friends. I've already looked at the (carpool) board here at Carleton. I've tried to get the carpool links. If all that fails, I'm going to be stuck to hitchhiking," said Kathleen Hughes, a PhD student at Carleton University.

In the meantime, Carleton's students' association has committed to pay for shuttle buses that will run from five points across the city at a cost of $27,000.

The University of Ottawa and Algonquin College are directing their students to online boards that offer carpooling.

Last ditch effort squashed

The transit strike comes after talks between the two sides broke off Monday afternoon when the transit union rejected what Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien called the city's final offer.

"We told them that we didn't believe it was sufficient enough for us to bring it back to our membership," Cornellier told CTV Ottawa.

The city says it offered the union a seven per cent wage increase over three years, an offer that was good until midnight Tuesday. The union, though, is asking for a 10.5 per cent pay raise over a three-year period, plus concessions on sick days, scheduling, and workplace safety insurance.

A federal mediator, who worked to hammer out a deal with the City of Ottawa and the Amalgamated Transit Union over the weekend, met independently with both sides on Tuesday. Despite the meetings, no new contract negotiations were scheduled.

According to a memo sent to the mayor and council, the federal mediator advised the city late Tuesday night that "there is no value in further discussions with him in regards to reaching a negotiated contract settlement" with the union.

Union says money not the issue

Although the city is blaming the gap between its final offer and the union's demands on the current economic downturn, union representatives insist talks broke down after demands for scheduling and sick days were not met.

"It's not about money. It's about respect and it's about dignity," said Cornellier.

"When you say that you have an employer that would pay somebody in one room so many sick days and somebody in another room not the same -- I don't think that's right."

Essential service?

Coun. Rainer Bloess has already indicated he will table a motion Wednesday to ask the federal labour minister to declare OC Transpo an essential service, which would get bus drivers back on the road.

In a press release issued Tuesday evening, Bloess said the economic, social and environmental impacts of a transit strike are "unacceptable to the vast majority of residents and councillors."

"The only reason that we have to go to the federal government is because our buses go over to Gatineau. If it wasn't for that, we'd be going to Queen's Park and we would get this in no time -- it happened in Toronto in 24 hours," he told CTV Ottawa.

Ontario premier steps in

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty also lent his voice to the issue Tuesday, urging the two sides to come to a resolution before a transit strike takes a major toll on the economy.

"Come together; this is a really important service to us in Ottawa. It's particularly important as we get into prime retail season," he said.

Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union, who have been without a contract since April, voted 98 per cent in favour of strike action last week. OC Transpo buses provide service to about 350,000 riders on an average day.

A transit strike is not expected to disrupt transit service in the Outaouais or Para Transpo in Ottawa.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem, Natalie Pierosara and Kate Eggins

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Comments are now closed for this story

Maria from Ottawa
My husband is the sole money maker in our family and if the buses strike tomorow he will no longer be able to get to work. As a low-income family of 6, the newest member being only a week old, we are very worried about how we will make ends meet if the strike last more then a day. We can not afford for him to miss any more work then that. We understand that OC transpo people like having their pick of work days, we would apreciate if they considered those of us who will truly suffer if this strike happens.
What about the people who can't get to work? what about the kids who won't make it to school? what about anyone who doesn't live close to the grocery store? what about those of us who rely on the buses to simply live day to day?

andrew morton
its about dignity and respect? your screwing over thousands of people and are anticipating respect? you must be kidding yourselfs

T in Ottawa


It's time to deem OC Transpo as an essential service, so they cannot stike again.

As far as this stike is concerned, if it happens, legislate them back asap. In fact, the process to do it should be underway now.

RL
Cornellier you talk about respect what about respecting the very people you serve what respect do you give people that will lose their jobs because they have no way to get to work do not talk to me about respect you inconsiderate Bas!!!!!!!!. Respect is Hearn it is not a given right. I hope you and your member’s freeze your but off on the picket lines. And when you decide to come back to work see how much respect your members are going to get.

Philip
With the money these folks make they really shouldn't be allowed to strike at all. Lousy service. Rude, lousy drivers. And, now we have none of the above. Pass a law and put these folks back to "work".

Amika
This time the drivers have gone to far...respect...they should be the one to talk...In the last decade the service we recieve is not worth what they are asking for. Enough is Enough...if they walk out the should be ordered back to work...Transit travelling is not that great...many of those drivers are dangerous drivers...these are the issues that should be addressed. For the few of the good drivers out their thank you for your great service.

Frank
How greedy and lazy those drivers are! The best solution is just fire them, there are lots of qualified persons can and will take the job.

Rick Banson
The union is absolutely pig-headed and greedy at a time when the economy is not great and other people are accepting less. They need to be reminded that it's tax-payers who pay their salary and that they are bus drivers - not doctors - so they shouldn't expect to get rich doing this job.

david hilson
I am a working man who lives in the east end and works in the west and depends on octranspo to get me to work on time each day. I already can't depend on them for that. It's been very often where my bus(118)is too early,late,or doesn't even show up and it aggravates me to no end. Now with no co-workers or family in my area, I won't be able to work period which means no christmas gifts for anyone and if this goes on, no rent money. But who cares, its only Christmas.

Dieter Doneit-Henderson
Thanks Mark, the one who provided all the details about the other side of this story; the city won't share and most of us citizens have no clue about this.

There is no question that things need to changed at the City and within OC Transpo - That Alain Mercier I would FIRE, he's clearly constantly in denial and has no clue what a transit system actually is or should look like!

Now to how this will effect me. I am "Substantially Disabled" - That's the term from the Government of Ontario.

Despite this, I have chosen to go out and work and battle through with a disability that effects me every minute, of every day.

I rely on OC Transpo to get to and from work - I am very sorry, but not only is the over $100 bus pass, that I have to pay for NOT worth half that price, but to place those who are disabled and have no other choice but to take mass transit or find an alternative, if they are lucky...Is reckless!

What is the other option? You lose your job? That's what many Ottawa Residents will be facing, but for the Mayor it's OK, he's driven around, I doubt Alain Mercier has EVER even ridden on a bus, as an ordinary commuter without an assistant and do so the way we need to, every day, on buses that are falling apart, that are so full that we are packed in like rats or worse, sardines when it get's real bad!

All these politicians and transit officials, years ago, could have had a Mono-Rail system built in Ottawa, which would have seen stops that exist today, but 30+ years ago - What did our EVER SMART City Officials say? Too costly, not needed! At 1 Billion for everything!

G. Gravelle
It's hard to believe OC Transpo is actually considering going on strike in these tough economic times when most people are struggling to make ends meet or losing their jobs. I'd love to receive the 7% wage increase they're being offered.

Dieter Doneit-Henderson
Further to my last comment - If OC Strikes and this will be the second time in my 29 years that this has happened and nothing has changed since, not the buses, not the transitways, it's all the same crap as when I was a teenager!

If OC Transpo is pushed to strike by a greedy city and their cohorts, I will NEVER ride OC Transpo again and will petition the cause of bringing in a real Transit Provider, like First Buses does in the UK, who now want to do the same abroad.

OC Transpo sucked when I was a teenager and it sucks more now, except there are more faulty buses, more failed promises, squandered money, city planners who must have been drunk whilst planning this city and it's transit system, for cars, street cars(Ripped out by the City of Ottawa)or bus/rail.

So strike, go for it, but count me our of your ridership numbers and those of a few tens or hundreds of thousands of others who find a better and cheaper alternative because of your strike!

This transit system makes Ottawa the laughing stock of the world, it's truly sad and pathetic.

Only Transit System I know that charges it's users more for worse service, less service, like buses who just don't bother to arrive, or are 10 minutes early, or 10-30 minutes late, with no explanation!

Over it!

KJ McAndrew - Pembroke, Ontario
Having watched CTV's Ottawa's noon hour interview with the "belligerent" head of the Transit Union it was quite obvious to me that the leadership of this union does not comprehend the economic circumstances we are all entering into, and is unprepared to negotiate on anything. This union should be immediately "legislated" back to work as an "essential service". If the membership does not comply to being ordered back to work it's leadership should be jailed, and the union "fined"; either out of existence, or until they understand today's economic realities.

Brad (Ottawa)
If it's not about money at all, why are they still asking for 10.5% over 3 years? Given the current economic climate, I suspect there are a lot of people who would be more than happy to be promised 7% over 3 years - or in some cases any raise at all, or even just still having a job.

Make a concession on the wage increase and maybe you'll get a concession on the rest of the outstanding issues. But no matter how many issues are unresolved, don't try and tell us money isn't one of them when you're still asking for more of it.

Nick Leiden
Ok. So it's not about money. Give the union leader his dignity & respect he demands for rules, sick days, and scheduling...... and take away the pay increase. After all it's not about money. No wonder some bus drivers have poor attitudes....it starts with their union leader. Let the membership vote on the offer the city presented.

Matt
This is ridiculous. I'm a student and it's exam time. Travelling to campus is essential to my education. I really hope the OC employees union is proud. You've made my life and everyone elses life harder then it has to be over a few dollars and cents. Ironic how uneducated morons who drive buses are actively making it difficult for me to get an education and NOT become a bus driver.

Melissa
alrighty !!!!
This Strike Is pathetic !
Our country is in recession, we need money and oc transpo people are asking for more?? Why dont you wait till this recession Calms down or something !!! So many people rely on oc transpo`s to get to the location of their desire, Christmas is soon, And Plenty of elderly people take the busses to get to there family homes !!! But oc transpo workers , ur being needy !! Taxi`s Are just gonna make more money wich sucks for the oc transpo workers;) what ever leave ur jobs, so many people are looking for jobs, they would love to take ur spots !! Be thankfull you have a job who will suport you and ur family financialy... Im tootally againsst this strike ! its so childish.

liz ottawa
a pox on OC transpo. you are screwing over the people who need you most. Larry Obrien wont care as he drives his mercedes to work.

Bewildered and frustrated in Gloucester
At this point in time, with the economy the way it is, the city struggling with a budget what is the problem with OC Transpo. They should be thankful they have jobs. Many are without. Where do they think the money is going to come from. Yes, I forgot....overtaxed property owners. Shame on the union and the members.

Julia
I don't know enough about the reason behind the strike to comment on it. I do know that I stopped driving to work in favour of public transit in May 2008. I commute from Rockland to Tunney's Pasture. Now I have to drive in during the week until this is over and I am NOT looking forward to the staggering increase in traffic.

Sue in Ottawa
I noticed that the union head didn't even think this latest offer was worth taking back to the membership. Maybe the membership, i.e. the actual drivers, would accept it. In which case, what kind of representation are the getting? From the drivers I spoke to today, none of them want to go on strike. Don't tell me unions still provide any value at all in this day and age.

Frank
Ottawa has the worst service in the country. How you ever tried to get bus service on the weekends or outside rush hour in Ottawa? GOOD LUCK! Most of the bus drivers are rude and offer little if any customer service. Buses are crowded and the seats are very dirty. Ottawa also has one of the most expensive transit systems in Canada and the service does not equal or come close to the fares people pay. Fire all the bus drivers and please replace them with people that have some sort of education. Bunch of greedy lazy, bustards! Then get rid of off all those Fat Cats in City Hall that do not do absolutely anything for this city. They just walk around in their Senators hockey shirts pretending that they actually do some thing for Ottawa. There are actually people in Ottawa that are struggle everyday to get to work and make ends meet. The bus drivers and members of City Hall in Ottawa are not one of those people!

K in Bells Corners
What truly irritates me is that while the drivers are arguing for more sick days, many of the workers who use public transit don't actually have any paid sick days. People that can't afford to miss one day, let alone afford cab fare to and from work. With the weather being the way it is, and increased traffic, even those fortunate enough to live close to work will have an extra expensive cab ride tomorrow- nevermind wait times.
I just find it ironic that while they are fighting for more benefits and sick days, many people who use transit are just trying to get to work. What a nightmare.

K - Ottawa
Maybe at the very least they could postpone this whole ordeal to the spring or summer when there isn't a blizzard outside. Maybe it will give people more incentive to ride a bike and find out that we don't have to rely on cars or buses to get around.

I don't appreciate having to walk or ride my bike in subzero weather and a foot of snow to get to my university exam tomorrow morning.

AM
I find it interesting that everyone seems to be blaming the OC Transpo workers and their union reps.

What about the City? They don't want to give an inch and meet the union halfway to avert this strike.

There is always two sides to a story and maybe people should stop pointing a finger at the OC Transpo workers and their union reps and try to understand what they are faced with.

Diane Prudhomme
Union were good for people about 5 decades ago..... Right now I think they are a BIG PROBLEM to our Society.... they went over the limit of their mandate.... Unions are a large part of why our Economy is down...Strike to big industries forcing them to close... They always want more money but it is us the "taxpayers" who have to pay for those increase...You have a good salary and good working conditions BUS DRIVERS...you earn more money than most people who get in your Bus. So just go back to work and be lucky to have a job that pays WELL has good benefits and no worry to lose your job ....

Jennifer, uOttawa Student
This is absolutely ridiculous. I agree with all comments. Terrible service, overpriced fares, reckless driving.. it honestly disgusts me. Why should they deserve respect when they do not give their customers respect?
Luckily I live close to uOttawa, but I feel sorry for those who will have a difficult time making it to exams.

anton
"It's not about money. It's about respect and it's about dignity," said Cornellier."

cynical schmuck!

Samantha from Ottawa
Cornellier is a goof. I am a student in the Ottawa area and I rely on Oc busses to get to school everyday. I don't understand why they're on strike for more respect when more than half the drivers can't even do their jobs properly. I'm outraged that so many people are going to suffer because of their greedy demands.

berge (Ottawa)
We are trying to get a greener Canada and they are cutting one of the best alternative to a car. The traffic jams from everyone using a car won't help out the fuel emmission issue. Not everyone lives in the same region so its hard to do carpooling.

slurik
I get to walk 4km in our winter weather, each way to work in order to earn minimum wage, and no sick pay.

you know it
They know that their service is vital and many people use the transportation route to get to work and other daily activities. They're milking for what it's worth and trying to get as much as possible

TC in Kanata
Fire them ALL, lots of people would like Fat paychecks.

Andrea from Kingston
So many of you make me sick. I was born, raised, and my parents still live in Ottawa. My father was a bus driver for five and a half years and continues to work for OC Transpo. There is more than one side to this story; there are three-the commuters, the city, and the bus drivers. I do understand that the lack of transit service is an inconvienence to many, and may cause troubles for some families, but the same can be said for bus drivers, who must get by on very little money during the strike right before Christmas (known since April no contract). If other unions in OC Transpo also strike, my parents will not be able to pay their bills. These bus drivers are walking from their jobs not because they are greedy, or want more money, but because of-yes-respect. When people, like many of you here, bad mouth the bus drivers, you are verbally abusing people. They are people too, and they put up with this every single day. Not only that, but the reason your buses are so often late, is because the city-made schedules do not allow enough time for bus drivers to turn around and have breaks. Many work 10 hour shifts without a single scheduled break. My dad often had to eat while driving because he simply did not have the time to do otherwise. What other jobs allow this kind of thing? The city, is not helping with their attitude, wanting to remove their right to choose hours, nor is the media by dwelling on one side of the story. This has the potential for great effects on my life and I don't even live in Ottawa. So please, take the time to consider everything about this strike before bad mouthing it.

nepean-mike
Its time to rid the country of leeching unions. They are the way of the dinosaur, its not the 50's anymore.

Larry, get a backbone its time for a ultimatum, tell them to show up for work or we will hire someone else to do the work.

Maryanne
Til you spend 8+hours driving a bus you have no oppinion on the strike, and again IT IS NOT ABOUT MONEY.
public is doing what management is doing. NO RESPECT.

Vingoe
This strike will affect many people including students like myself. I will not have any means of being able to get to school to write my exams. My post secondary institution has stated that any students unable to attend their exams will not be given the opportunity to re-write them at an alternate time. I've started a petition against this

http://www.petitiononline.com/OCstrike/petition.html

It's important that Post Secondary Institutions realize that penalizing students who ethically wrong. I hope this strike does not last long!

steph
They can't do this to us, I am so distressed right now, I don't even know what I am going to do, I don't have a car! How do I get to work, get groceries, or medical service...I am going to be totally house bound...they cannot let this happen.

snow beast
honestly i dont understand how you expect us highschoolers to get to school without the O.C transpo. Do you want us to freeze our buts to death and die of hypothermia...THINK ABOUT THE FUTUR GENERATION.
The plus side is:
YAY no school!

MAD ICE
why everyone are complaining about the students and workers etc...give me a break take a cab or walk, so be it if they go on strike i am happy and i hope they do. Anyways who are you to care if they go on strike or not you only care about you to take bus do you care about the drivers and how they feel . I am praying to god that they go on strike man everyone worries and i cant work i cant go to school get a life go walk ride bike take a cap let your friends drive you even if it an hour i walked to work from kanata to walky please everyone don't accuse if you failed to work or school don't be depended on the buses. depend on your self.

James P
OC Transpo is essentially holding the city ransom, this act lies in the same vein as terrorism.

As a student, I rely on the transit system to get me to and from school, it's a fact of life. The timing of this is so inappropriate, it's vile. You have students writing exams, people working to try to earn a living for Christmas, and many other circumstances that are being ruined by the sheer ignorance of the parties involved.

The issue at hand is greed - it is the perversion of the public services to fill ones pocket book. Thousands of people depend on this service to go about their daily lives and you, OC Transpo et. al, have essentially taken the city hostage in this strike. Thank you for devaluing my bus pass, I've spent $235 on a useless piece of plastic. $235 dollars that only goes to fuel your greed. You don't deserve your raise for this stunt you're trying to pull.

Iyad Kandalaft
OC Transpo employees are no doubt highly paid, where some salaries exceed 50K+. Their employment is secure, and their benefits are many compared to similar careers that do not require post-secondary education. OC transpo employees need to recognize that the pros of their line of work far exceeds the cons. Every job has positive and negative aspects, but you don't see others having a strike every few years.
Unfortunately, municipal polititions need to either dismantel this overwhelmingly strong union or impose heavy fines for every day that OC transpo employees strike. It seems that the city has been too concerned with imposing rediculous out of pocket expenses on taxi drivers (cameras, car age legislation, fees, etc), who barely make ends meat.
They should have recognized the obvious problems with our city's transit system, which is OC Transpo.
New York City fined their transit union $1M per day and jailed the transit union leader 10 days. OTTAWA NEEDS TO DO THE SAME!

Marie
I just heard the Union rep for OC Transpo on the Radio, and all I can say is that I will NEVER, EVER support the OC Transpo workers again after hearing him speak. What as selfish, awful stand these people have taken....he would put his own interest above the everyday lives of Ottawa citizens and actual said that he didn't care if people lost their jobs because of this strike action...I hope the entire union and there leaders loose the support of Ottawa's citizen as they are all terrible people who don't care at all for the citizens who rely on their services. To heck with OC Transpo and their selfish Union leaders!

Ralph Somerset
Drivers: Postpone your strike 48 hours. Let Ottawa recover from this serious winter storm. If you insist on striking at 12:01 Tuesday,O'Brien looks like the saint and you gain NO support from your passengers. Striking tonight will gain you NOTHING.

doug
Just think, no road hogging buses blocking intersections, running red lights and generally CAUSING traffic problems. I don't think more vehicles on the road can cause as much trouble!
We need a transit SERVICE Ottawa -- buses ain't it!!!

Frustrated - Marie
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
You are screwing us all over, and if this is an indefinite strike, you are going to lose a lot of support if you had any to begin with.

There are a few good drivers but lately I have seen fewer and fewer.

Let this strike be short and sweet.

Frustated in ottawa
This is a MAJOR issue thousands of people have NO other options so opening of bus lanes to cars will only help a small % of the people who use the bus and have cars to fall back on. the union,city share equally, End this dispute NOW.

Amy
Don't blame the drivers. The union has refused to show them the terms of the agreement for which they're walking out. I'm sure a lot of them don't want to strike at this time of the year!

Uwe Beyer
The Transit Union wants respect. Each day they remain on strike, every ounce of respect that they may have earned will be lost.

If I was the Major, I would fire every driver, dispatcher and mechanic. I would then rehire from the thousands of unemployed citizens of Ottawa who want and need a job and offer them the same pay as the current Transpo employees.

I ask the members of the Union: "How long will your strike pay last? Will you be able to keep your home?
Be thankful you have a job. Finally, fire your Union President. He is as militant as you can get. In this day and age, he is out of touch with the people of this wonderful city.

It's time to wake up. Get back to work.

Cindy
Where is the respect for the customer? How often do I wait for busses that are late or don't show up at all, with not complaining about it?
I will not be able to go to work while the busses strike and my employer will not be happy, aswell as my wallet.
At least be in time after you are done with your strike.

Helen C.
Dignity and Respect? I just saw the news story and the most recent interview, where the union president disrespected the citizens of Ottawa by not justifying or making his case, and disrespected his entire union by the same method.

This is not about respect or dignity. This is a power trip on the part of the Union President and he should be ashamed of himself for not taking the offer to his union. He's refusing to return to the table, he hasn't brought the offer to the union, and he hasn't allowed them to vote.

That is disrespectful and playing himself for a fool while earning the scorn of the city. It's a power trip to him, and has nothing to do with the deal being offered at the beginning of an economic recession.

Tom Edwards
Every place where ATU Local 279 erects a picket line, we will be there to protest with signs of our own: They will read "Members of 'ATU Local 279' have killed Santa Claus."

Valerie Larocque
Valerie
What are the plans for compensation for the buspass?? We are only 9 days into the month !!

BT (Ottawa)
Fire every single OC transpo worker that strikes. There are plenty of people willing to do their jobs for less. Companies with unions are just a breeding ground for lazy workers with a false sense of entitlement. Whomever agress with me, remember to spit on OC transpo drivers when they go back to work, as they deserve NO repest from us.

Kristian
UNFAIR, this is not how grievances should be settled, workers should be able to work and union leaders should not be so eager to strike. The time spent away from the bargaining table is hurting everyone.

This union has upset everyone living in Ottawa and everyone visiting Ottawa. The union leadership should not be reelected after causing so many headaches! I am calling for more responsible leadership!!

Sally Thomas
When Para Transpo went on strike about five years ago, I was fully behind it, even picketing alongside of the drivers. It was about the drivers being treated as equals with the OC drivers and by extension, me being treated the same as other transit users. I don't know what the issue is this time, but; I would give my left arm for even a one percent increase in my income - even for just one year!

A.M.E.
I think it is unfair for OC transpo to go on strike. How are people who depend on them suppose to get to work and school? Universities are not cancelling exams, so students who cannot afford a taxi fare or find another alternative are suppose to walk? In this weather? Where is the respect and dignity in that?

April Maksymonko
You have to be kidding me! All this is all over the fact you want more respect when half your employees don't even say hello to customers? Or when that moron took off with that poor small child all over the whole stroller thing? RESPECT?!
As for going on strike I am so incredibly sorry that you seem to think your dignity is worth more than helping the many people who rely on your services for transportaion. If they get fired from their jobs or fail their exams I hope your willing to pay them money to continue surviving or reimburse them for their tuition fees from your own pocket.
Last but not least, we the people better NOT see an increase in fares and passes next year in fact you better drop those passes considerably low

April Maksymonko
ANYONE who has bought a bus pass this month better be getting a refund from oc transpo or the city of ottawa

Jeff
THEY'VE BEEN WITHOUT A CONTRACT SINCE APRIL...WHY NOW? Honestly their union representatives are selfish and smart. The OC tranpo union are taking advantage of this recession for their own personal gain knowing the heavy reliance on the OC tranpo. Turning down 7% increase over 3 years? and some of them still make 100k... There was comment that i read somewhere that "its about respect" which can be translated as: money and more payed sick days. Hope legislature for deeming them as a essential service comes soon to prevent something STUPID like this from ever occuring again.

Paul Fitzpatrick
ATU members should be very embarrassed by the actions of their president. One syllable grunts as answers when doing a TV interview make him look like a total moron. If you are lining up behind this joker then you get what you deserve .... which I suspect will be less than the current offer.

David Wood, Cornwall
It is the epitome of self interest to hold the very business that strengthens our economy hostage at the pinnacle of the season that is their life blood. Whatever this union thinks it is gaining will be lost in the public backlash against its greed. Such narrow minded leaders deserve to be stripped of their authority and legislated back to work before this indignity even gets off the mark. This spokesperson did no favor for his members and good for Carol-Anne for exposing him for what he is.

Steph
If it's not about money, as Cornelier has repeated over and over. Why are you asking for a 10.5% wage increase??
OC transpo should be an essential service. Too many people depend on it. I myself will have to resort to sleeping on someone's couch because I live too far away from work and cannot afford cab fare to and from and don't have anyone in my area to carpool with.
If this strike is all about respect and dignity, to all the bus drivers here is a hug, and everytime I get on the bus I will greet you with a "good morning"...
To whomever is responsible for Mr Cornelier's job, get rid of him.

April Maksymonko
Go ahead go on strike! Then take all the ungreatful like Cornellier and fire them, stick em on assistance and then maybe they will learn to appreciate what they had! Times are tough suck it up do your job and move on. Larry O'Brien doesnt give a damn cuz hes got his drivers and his mansion and can take all the money he wants from us taxpayers.
OC Transpo better refund our bus pass money for this month seen as its no good to us oh and don't forget to refund the city who provides many low ncome families with bus passes as well

Marguerite
My husband and i both use the bus on an every day basis. The closest grocery store is an hour walk for us and we don't have a vehicle. I use the bus to go do everything. I have a 10 month old as well that i have to take around with me. So now what are we supposed to do. For me to get to school would take me 2 hours to walk, so i am supposed to leave my place at 5am so i can get to school on time. No way. This is so stupid. They should not be allowed to strike. Too many people need the buses. They don't care because they all have vehicles but i bet if there familes relied only on the buses they would not be striking. How can they say it is not originally about money when they requested a 10.5% increase in salary. I say stuff it to them and retrain and hire new people who would be more than willing to do it. Theyget paid loads as it is. If they don't like there job then they should go do something else.

Michael
its about dignity and respect? they why do they treat people who go for jobs there like crap saying they no longer have a name only an number and for the next 10 years they can expect to get nothing but crappy routes

more than enough
Oh goody, we get to have a transit strike. I believe there is plenty of blame to go around, from union crap, city mismanagement, incompetence, but all that doesnt matter. We all have alternatives, my favorite(s) biking or walking, good thoughts. I guess I am more fortunate than alot, my wife will be getting a lift from a co-worker (they work the same hours) but I will have to haul myself downtown in my car, fustration, aggravation, $$ on top of my bus pass and taxes already paid, and for what. I suppose it could be worse, they could have serviced the morning rush hour then go out on strike and really make their displeasure known, oh darn, hope I didnt give them an idea they hadnt thought of, na, save that one for next time.

Enjoy

AMA
After seeing CTV's interview with Andre Cornellier I certainly feel as though he is holding the city hostage. How can a man, who is looking for respect, simply respond "NO!"

This man is a joke.

Kate
I had some sympathy for the union members, until I saw the interview with the union president on CTV Ottawa tonight. His rudeness, hostility and ridiculous statements completely turned me against his point of view.

I received a 1.7% increase. They are arguing over 7% and 2 extra sick days?!

Connie from Ottawa
Today, while waiting for my bus to arrive, I read an OCTranspo advertisement sign on another bus that read "1.5 billion riders". I think it should be changed to "1.5 billion screwed"! People in the company I work for are losing their jobs right now and these greedy people want more, more, more. They should be thankful they HAVE jobs! I think it's time the city declared OC as an essential service!
The service sucks, drivers are rude (one of mine is so anxious in the afternoon to finish his route that he doesn't stop for anything and drives like the devil to end his shift!)and no matter what they (OC) say, nothing ever changes except the fare prices! OCTranspo just had an increase in their fares in July...my pass went from 71.50 to 81.00!! That's criminal because the service still sucks! Thanks for nothing OCTranspo!

Anne
I couldn't believe the transit union boss'rude,self-serving and downright surly demeanor in the on-air interview tonight. If this is the attitude that was present during negotiations, we are all in for a long and protracted strike, because he isn't in the least bit interested in settling anything.

Sharon
The arrogance of the head of the Transit Union is just like that of the Coal Miners' Union in the U.K back in the 1980's...when the Union leaders' hidden agenda was to bring the U.K to its knees through mammoth electricity blackouts.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's resolve was rock solid, and she squashed the power-wielding Union like a bug, and stopped it from holding the country to ransom any longer...as part of her mandate to return the country to a healthy economy!

Ottawa residents are counting on government to take immediate 'bug control' action to squash this pathetic Union leader's power agenda.

P Page
Andre Cornellier made a total fool of himself tonight during his interview with Carol Anne. Even she seemed to be baffled by his (lack of) response. He is the Transit Union President?? He can't even make a coherent argument on the Union's position. I do not live in Ottawa and therefore am not personally affected by this strike, but my daughter at Algonquin will be. She may have to resort to spending upwards of $50 for a round-trip taxi fare to her part time retail job that will earn her approx $36 for a 4 hour shift! Also, is the issue of having just purchased a monthly pass at over $60 that has lasted her only 9 days?!?!! How will OC Transpo compensate their riders? How is this going to get them any respect? I agree that it should be deemed an essential service...and SOON.

Vicki from Ottawa
I agree with Rainer Bloess - make this an essential service - if the union does not agree - fire everyone and I am convinced that you will find many individuals that are willing to work for half of what these idiots make. Most of them are uneducated, have no manners and can be threatening to the riders - and do not try to make a complaint at the complaint and compliments section - the union will not even pass on the message!!!
This is a recession but these greedy union leaders want more and more - hey - some are making more than police officers, firemen and EMTs - what next?! I wonder what would happen if people would find carpooling on a permanent basis and decide to no longer take OC Transpo - wouldn't that be a hoot - take that chance and they could lose several employees - oops! forgot - the union would find a way to keep them on! They are complaining because their contract has been up since April 2008 - wake up and smell the proverbial coffee - many people are working and they don't have the luxury of having a contract!

Jennifer from Kanata
Mr. Cornellier your attitude shocks and surprises me. This was your opportunity to have public support, instead you antagonize, are arrogant, and rude. You offer very little in the way of an explanation for this unnecessary action. More than one word sentences would be greatly appreciated. It is as though you were going to strike because you have the right? Not because it's the appropriate thing to do. At this time the city is going to be increasing our property taxes and they are still looking to cut services but you in your infinite wisdom have decided to ask for more??? Do you not understand who actually pays for your wages? who pays for your scheduling? who pays for your sick days? It's the city you are currently about screw over. One would think that with this knowledge in hand you would actively seek the publics support as apposed to your current behavior. You should be ashamed of your actions.

Wk
Everyone is one for themselves.
No one can see past their noses. Everyone should be behind these drivers. To strike is a democratic right. It tells the establishment enough of the abuse. Bus drivers and posties are the last of those that can stick it to the establishment and their mismanagement. This is a time to rallye...they are not the source of our problems nor should they be made to feel the consequences it is the short sighted that overlook huge mismanagement by OC Transpo planners and city hall... we should be supporting those who strike.

Mel in Ottawa
I think that the members of the union (the ones who can vote) are the wrong ones to be in the job. This should be something that more then just the union reps vote on as it affects every single person in this city wether they ride the bus or not. With it being so close to Christmas and this affecting so many in the city (both riders, commuters, and bus drivers alike) at a time when money is hard to come by, it is greedy and downright wrong for the union reps to keep the offers a secret and not ask the membership their opinions on the subject. Shame on you Mr. Cornellier...

Derek Noble (Ottawa)
Fire the whole lot of them. Their greed is unprecedented. That Andre Cornellier guy is greediest amongst them. Great interview CTV

Dave Thomson
We've found the Grinch. Hello André Cornellier. How can you be so unconcerned about the plight of the citizens of Ottawa who will suffer so terribly during a transpo strike.Dignity is about how we treat others and not about how we treat ourselves.

H.
I absolutely agree that this should be designated an essential service, immediately. They should also all be fired and give the job to someone who will be just happy to be working. I haven't had a pay increase in 3 years and these greedy hogs want it all. End it now.

Trav from Ottawa
Well, they have done it again, there should be a round of applause. I am a student and the oc transpo is my only way to university for exams. How am I supposed to pay for cabs? Do they realize that students have no money? What are we supposed to do? People are going to lose their jobs, they won't be able to pay for future bus fare and yet they are still asking for more. It is THREE dollars to ride the bus ONE TIME! I can hardly afford it now, and they want more money? This makes no sense, they need to make it an essential service and get them back to work!

KB Ottawa
They are doing this when the Government is out of session. They would need the Governor Generals approval to hold an emergency session and give the provincial government permission to make them an essential service.

Does this sound a little weird that they decided to go on strike, right around Christmas, exam times, when the economy is in jeopardy and when the government cant force them back to work>!?!?!?!

I beginning to think they planned this.

I AM NOT A BARGING CHIP!!!

FIRE THEM ALL!!!!!!!

P in Bells Corners
When this is over, I think anyone who has purchased a bus pass should call OC Transpo for a refund, and keep calling until they get it or until the people who have to answer the thousands of calls per hour resigns their post. (then just keep calling.)

Unskilled, high school educated employees having a problem with the "sweeter than they could ever possibly deserve or have earned" wages/benefits/etc... HOW DARE THEY COMPLAIN!!!!!
There are a lot of well educated people in this city and all over Canada that would be glad to have what you all take for granted.

Try working at a coffee shop, or as a janitor for a private company, or any other job that requires you to use parts of your body for intensive under-paid labour, or maybe even a position that requires you to use more than 12 brain cells to perform.

You have it so easy, so take it easy and be glad you have what you do. I mean you, collectively, had a law made in your favour so you wouldn't be at fault if you struck someone or something.

So now we are down to 11 brain cells, because now you no longer need the one that requires you to use judgement to drive safely.

You are all pathetic......

Nadine E
I live in the East end and work downtown 5 days a week and provide for my family alone. I get on the bus every morning and evening to pay rent, bills and then some! I just spent my savings on preparing for my wedding and now stuck with no work to put food on the table for my kids. How am I going to tell my children they can't see their grand parents this Christmas? And other family's in the same boat I'm in!. I understand they want to have picks on shifts and roots, but what about the people that pay and depend on Oc-Transpo to get by day to day for work, shopping and some even for hospitals! This stick shout only take place after the holidays were every body is ready for it...

Larry
Hi,

guess what, Im a bus driver.
as we all know, there are two sides to a story. I will be sleeping in tomorrow, see ya friday morning.

Ps: Thanks Larry

Phil
I'm a uOttawa student, and it's going to be impossible for me to get to my exams with this strike. I have no ride, and can't find anyone to carpool with as I only found out about the strike this morning. My only two options are hitchhiking, or walking all the way from Westboro to Downtown... and I'm definately not paying something like 20 bucks for a cab... not happening. Screw you OC Transpo!

Moe
Are you KIDDING ME

OC Transpo Drivers make 50,000- 100,000 per YEAR.

THEY MAKE MORE THAN PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS, NURSES .. and many more

I am respected by oc transpo drivers 5% of the time, they will rarely respond to a thank you or hello.

Get off your high horses.

- Exam at 9:00am with no way to get there

Ed in Ottawa
I am absolutely disgusted by the union's insistence on carrying out a strike at the busiest time of the year (holiday season) and during the worst economic recession we have seen in decades.

The only thing unions are good for these days is protecting the lazy employees and causing grief for all parties involved.

The unions say its about respect. Its ironic that someone who is working hard to earn a living for his/her family and relies on the bus to get to his/her place of employment is the least of OC Transpo's priorities.

I give up
Still dont know if it is a done deal. I looked at the OC transpo site and nothing about a strike, just reference to some crap about if things change we will post it......... Call the ball already so i can get up at 4:30 and clear my driveway so I can get out (city might fine me for noise violation when I spark up the snowblower). Maybe Larry can shed some light on it. what do you say Larry, you have been vocal enough in the past few days.

Nadine E- Ottawa
If OC-Transpo goes on strike at midnight tonight and you have a December bus pas they will give out a percentage off your January 2009 bus pas if only you bring in your December bus pas. So please every one keep your December pas to inquire your percentage off your next purchase...

Richard
If you are under pay and have unfair working conditions, you have the right to strike. I fully support you. But the fact, their pay are much higher than other industry. They are so greedy.

jake
wow .. way to plan it on exam week for students

J. F.
Just to let you know, because of this strike all three of my children will be affected.....lose of jobs is not an option...how are they to live, pay rent, food, bills...please settle this before you end up with more ppl unemployed.

Darren McEwen
You know I was unhappy about this whole thing all along. I had respect for the union though I was upset at them and the city. That all changed when I watched CTV News at Noon and saw this union president act like a total idiot. Then 5pm rolled around I heard him on CFRA and again I was enraged by this guy's total rudeness. Now after seeing his childish antic with Carol Anne I'm about ready to explode.

OC TRANSPO DRIVERS: Your union president is a JOKE!

Dean Buchholz
What a week! We go from the country nearly falling apart to the city of Ottawa soon falling apart! Or so it seems... I am going to try to look at the positive. Yes, a strike would be inconvenient to many and there are numerous good reasons listed below why it should not happen. (By all means, put pressure on the parties responsible to put an end to all this). However, there are also positive opportunities and practicalities for us all during this crisis. For example, when was the last time you rode in close quarters carpooling with a fellow employee you did not really know? Bring them an extra coffee and a box of Tim Bits to share. When was the last time you offered a senior a ride to the doctor's office or grocery store? (...and thank God the gas is at it's lowest in years). And don't forget about feeling that cold wintery fresh air as you may possibly get some exercise-gasp-and walk that kilometer or two to work. (Take a camera as well, as Ottawa is looking quite pretty with all this snow). Others out there may take a day or two off (which some workaholics would never do under most circumstances) and spend time with your lover -if you know what I mean wink wink nudge nudge. Keep positive and happy if you can. Seek out ways to overcome this fiasco. This is a great opportunity for us to get into true Ottawa spirit of giving and kindness, especially with the holidays fast approaching. Happy Commuting!

Denis D.
I wonder what mood the public will be in if the strike lasts a long time. Are bus drivers appreciated or looked down on by the majority of customers? I hear stories of disrespect toward drivers and the same toward passengers. This is a reliable service that will hurt many people during the strike. As for taking sides, I don't think anybody outside of OCtranspo can know the complete story. We are all riders looking after our own interest. I think this will be more of a large inconvenience than a problem for most riders. If we are mad at the union, then lets show them that we do not need them as much as they think we do. Blaming them for our misery will only give them more power. I don't know how my daughters will get to school, but I am sure we will find a temporary solution.

Kelly Watters
Cornellier is dictating his union, not acting in their interest, and he doesn't seem to have a grip on reality. Most Canadians do not have a choice in when they work. What is thinking, starting this nonsense during exam week and going into Christmas, when ridership is up?

Wake up, Cornellier! The union members aren't the only ones with jobs, bills, families, and lives.

Best hopes to the thousands of fellow riders in Ottawa.

Connie
To tell you the truth I think we should all boycot OC and see that we can manage without them and thier greedyness..Seems that the Transport system is running this city..As a taxpayer I would think that they should pass a law against this type of nonsense as it disrupts people's lives bigtime. What is this city comeing too. OC transport should be ashamed of themselves....

Carole, Ottawa, ON
After watching the interviews with Mr. Cornellier, I am really appalled that this cold hearted man was ever named President of that union. Mr. Cornellier it's because of people like you that Unions have such a bad reputation. From my point of view, from this point on OC Transpo will have to work hard to regain some respect from the riders.

Cody
How terribly disgraceful.
So many people claiming that the OC transpo is crap, but that you depend upon it so. The transit workers are treated shamefully by the riders of the system, and by the city officials.
Nobody ever wants to strike. A strike is without a doubt the most distressing, difficult thing that one can ever endure in any workplace. It leaves you broke, physically and emotionally ravaged, and it leaves feelings of anger between coworkers that will never heal.
Saying they should just fire the bus drivers, or try and force them back to work is as childish as it is stupid.
Perhaps someday, the people of ottawa will realize that Larry O'Brian and his elitist cadre of councilors deserve to be drug forcibly out of office.

G in Ottawa
Not about money, but they have no problem taking our 80 bucks for 9 days of service?

Masters student in social sciences
Essentially, bus drivers want better work conditions and better management. They want to have more of a say within the organization of bus services. The want to be able to change whatever doesn't work well within the system. As a general tendency,people who enjoy going to work don't ask for ridiculous salary increases. Let's skip the raise, but let's listen to them about everything else, and let's implement the right changes.

Marc Debeau from Ottawa
This is pathetic. These workers already make a lot of money for the job they do. Along with that the service is sh****. Theres long wait times, buses are always late.

This is nothing more than greed that should not be taken. THey want respect .. well there not getting it because there screwing over A LOT of people here in Ottawa.

Lets take away there PRIVILEGE, not right, to strike and allow workers to get to work so we can keep trying to keep our economy up in these dark times.

Colin in Ottawa
Considering Mr. Cornelier's belligerent and hostile interviews on CJOH, it is no wonder that we are in this mess.

Can you imagine having to try to negotiate anything with this man?

J.Y
There should be a better contingency plan in place, or at least an agreement with OC transpo to have services running during peak hours, i.e. 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours at the end of the day so that the city and the people who live in it aren't paralyzed by the strike. That way, most people can get to and back from work/school at those times, while the union can still exercise its right to strike. This was the solution adopted in Montreal when the public transportation personnel went on strike, and it made a difference. I would have expected a similar proposal from the City of Ottawa.

Sharon, Ottawaq
Cornellier, you've exposed yourself in your true colours...the imposter that you are, with no genuine concerns about representing your fellow union members on negotiating a new contract, because you are a militant, trouble-maker.

Who,in the present economic climate, would truly be acting on behalf of their union members, by insisting on a new and totally unrealistic, all or nothing contract?!

Had you actually consulted the transit employees you claim to represent, your determination to strike would have been rejected by the majority. I guess that's why you didn't want to consult your union members!

You're so transparent in your motives...copying the militant stance of so many other union 'representatives' come and gone.

Why are you so driven to bring public transportation to a standstill during winter weather and just prior to Christmas?

Whose interests are you REALLY representing?! We tax-payers are NOT willing to cough up our hard-earned dollars to fund your ridiculous contract requirements...when so many of us earn much less than you and your transit union members...and have less sick leave and benefits.

You obviously represent yourself, not your union members, and you should never be re-instated. I hope you have to resort to finding yourself a real working job, with minimal benefits and opportunities for salary negotiation... like so many of us.

Stop pushing for unrealistic contract terms that are not justified.

May your Christmas stocking be filled with Union member votes of 'NO CONFIDENCE', and OC Transpo rider letters of disgust!

Janet aka screwed in Ottawa
I respect and value OC Transpo drivers. Like any other business, there are good employees and there are bad. In light of the current economic situation, I think that drivers are lucky to have STABLE employment. I assure you that if they're not happy, there will be someone else DELIGHTED to train to take their job. They might even do it for less than the current drivers, just to be able to say that they're employed.

I say, don't give them a pay increase, but give them better benefits and more sick days. I mean, it isn't about money, it's about respect right? Also, get rid of Mr. Cornholer and deem bus service an essential service.

GML in Ottawa
I have been hearing some people blaming the drivers for walking off the job but, the last negotiations didn't even include them. The union took upon themselves to reject it without consulting the drivers whom should have had the say to accept or reject.

High School Student
It's appalling that they're actually doing this. I have to rely on these buses to get to school (Yet these bus drivers are always late not matter what), and walking isn't an option. Also to top it off the school board has canceled their alternation plan and classes are still going on. So to top it off, OC transpo owes me my 80%.

hugh g wrekshin
OC Transpo Strike – Same old thing all over again

Whether it’s Sanitary Engineers, Postal Workers, Taxi Drivers, CUPE or OC Transpo Personnel, the victims will always be the community who use and support those services.

Employees and employers can’t agree? Let’s just shut it all down by striking…huh!

Neither party has my sympathy.

Fellas, if I did that in my previous line of work (military), I would have been severely punished if not executed for deserting my people.

OC Transpo drivers deserve better, certainly; but some of the drivers ought to also stop jumping on the brakes and making hard turns when there are passengers standing in the aisles or getting ready to disembark.

Some drivers require re-training or at the very least, they ought to take a ride on one of the buses driven by those bad drivers.

One more thing…when I pull the cable for a stop and you don’t notice it and then drive through my stop, don’t shit on me. It was your inattention, not mine. I know there’s a light on your dashboard indicating so…



Sincerely,



Hugh G. Wrekshin

julie
to all of you who think this strike is just about drivers think again it about the maintenance staff as well as the mechanics.when you leave your newspaper on the bus who cleans it? when you high school kids write all over the seats or spit in the windows who cleans it?when you leave your timmies cup where does it go?you really think they want to go on strike think again.my husband works for them and we really can't afford it but if it means better working conditions them we just might have to sacrife a bit for xmas.to all college and university student we know this is your exam time and i understand as we have a daughter also doing exams in college and taking the bus but you were warned about a week ago that this was coming why did you not prepare?to all of you who have purchased a bus pass i understand as we have also purchased my daughter's bus pass at full price because no we don't get a discount or ride for free!!as many of you think.you get to work safely on these buses but do any of you wonder how hard it is to do brakes on these buses or change tire. if they striked in the summer or spring like some of you have suggested would it have the impact that they are looking for.I am sorry for those it will inconvience but where do they draw the line.the buses are late the driver not friendly...maybe it's the working conditions!!!!

Maureen Cameron
I wonder if Mr. Cornellier realizes that simply repeating 'no' in response to media questions regarding consequences of a strike on our city sounds more like a child having a temper tantrum than it does a sensible position. Mr. Cornellier, if you're going to throw around the word 'respect', how about you at least pretend that you care about the thousands of people who are going to be struggling without this essential service tomorrow? Obviously, your idea of respect extends only to your union members. I will somehow have to make my way to work tomorrow because, as a health care professional, I can't just decide to not show up for the people who depend on me. Citizens of Ottawa pay plenty for public transit - we don't deserve this upheaval in our daily lives, and we surely don't deserve the smug, obstinate attitude that you displayed on the news.

Tim in Ottawa
Folks, the reality is, as many of you have pointed out, that the OC Transpo service in Ottawa is not up to par, the drivers are paid very well, and they should not in any way be striking.

But we need to shift our blame, I think, to their union and it's leadership team. These unions are the ones that keep driving up the costs of services like this one and convincing their membership that yes, they need to make huge sums of money every hour - that we as citizens cannot afford.

The time for unions is past. Remove the union, and give these drivers a fair shake, and start running OC Transpo like a business - make them accountable and provide a real (i.e. not to the union) way for riders to provide feedback.

If we keep allowing the union to drive up costs and permit shoddy and indifferent service by it's membership, we are the ones who need to give our heads a shake.

ATU OUT!

Duck in Florida
Wow.. Cant believe bus drivers would strike during the cold. I feel real sorry for you guys, and the old ladies that need the bus in order to survive and get their medical needs.

Regardless to say the young moms with kinds that will have to weather the cold.

If ya'll had an economy like ours right now, you would NEVER think of leaving your job even for a day.

I will say a little prayer for ya, it gives ya a good feeling at least in times of trouble.

r lavigne
Respect?? OCTranspo drivers and maintenance crew are firstly known for their rudeness and arrogance. What a joke! You are so mean spirited to have placed so many people's jobs at jeopardy and worry about your own. And you want repect? Your buses are FILTHY and OVERCROWDED, your service is RUDE and you want RESPECT??? Get a life and get back to work.

Jess
Another student voice here. Although I live close to uOttawa, I have friends that live out in Orleans, Hull and in Kanata. How will they be able to get to school to write their exams when schools are not exempting people who cannot get to their exams?? Exam time is stressful enough let alone trying to figure out how you will be able to get to school to write your test. Many of my friends are from out of town and do not own cars. It's not fair that poor transportation and no sympathy from schools will be the determining factor in final grades this semester. Pretty sad considering that we are the future generation. Way to put the economy further into crisis mode.

James from Ottawa
Strike while the economy is in the pits, and say how it's not about money, but about respect? Are you kidding me?

This another sad example of unions and their consistent upward comparison. Why don't all their employees look around at the general populous and say, "hey maybe we don't have it so bad" rather than trying to play the "if they get it, we should get it" bs card.

I pay for a year transit pass and I expect to be able to use it 365 days out of the year. I hope I am reimbursed for every day I can't use their lousy service.

This morning I had an exam to get to and the normal 10 minute trip took 45 with the snow and traffic, THANKS OC TRANSPO!

Hugh G. Wrekshin
Matt,

That was a very lucid and somewhat adequatly-worded commentary; except for the typos. I commend you on your last sentence and encourage you to pursue English Lit...or mayhaps crack-open a Roget's or some other source of English spelling aid...

Regardless, the strike sucks and you are right.

Hugh G. Wrekshin

T
respect!?! What about the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the bus to get to work so that they can pay their rent? the people who can't afford to take a day off work or else they can't buy food that week? you say it's about respect? who's going to pay for the thousands of dollars that people are going to lose because they can't get to work in the morning and wind up needing government assistance cause they don't make enough to take time off? alternative commuting plans? try are you going to pay my rent for me?

Stefan P
This guy is a union leader when he can't even speak and by hearing him makes me relize how cruel he is and I think if he present this to the employees they may vote yes so I guess he has a power trip. Throw him out and who have no right to strike because if it was so important you would have talk about it earlier in the year. And yes he doesn't care only for himself and bullsh** he is putting a gun to the city and if he wants respect well he lost it by picking the worst time to do it, so if you want respect good luck prick.

James
I don't use OC Transpo but you would think they would be somewhat reasonable and delay a strike until post-Christmas. Especially with the weather we are getting right now.

If I was the head of the union I would at least keep the most popular bus routes operational. They are crippling the city. The very people who pay their salary will encounter issues commuting to their place of employment and thus likely lose income. Sounds like Cornellier is a Scrooge.

The City needs to hammer out legislation immediately and have this deemed an "essential" service if both parties are unable to be reasonable. The economy does not need anymore turmoil, especially unnecessary things like this.

I'vehadenough
How short sighted of the union. The country is in economic crisis. Wage controls and freezes are about to be the new reality for thousands of workers, and these unionized drivers think they are entitled to an increase in pay of more than 3% per year? Plus other concessions? I hope the City has a decent Employee Assistance Program so that these "negotiators" can all get their collective heads examined! Damn you greedy, self-serving people!

GerryM Ottawa
I don't know what irritates me the most, the ATU or the City of Ottawa. From what I've seen of the proposal set forth by the City, They have made a serious step forward to come to an agreement but the offer was not good enough to put forward to union members.
Now if OCtranspo is considered an essential service then reduce the redundant runs, and increase the serviceability. If that is not conceivable then the best option would be to go out of business, sell all your assets and privatize at least then the practice of drivers pulling off to the side to do a tummies run in the middle of the route might be discouraged.
As to the city of Ottawa’s suggestions of alternatives to OCtranspo If they were viable we wouldn’t need OCtranspo because the fact of the matter is if the option of not taking the bus is available, I would not be paying for an Ecopass.

Nicole
As a university student at exam time, and trying to hold down a part time job to pay for school since I live 8 hours from ottawa and am here for university, I don't need any more stress than I already have. This is down right ridiculous. I either have to find a carpool ride, with some complete stranger, or take a taxi that is going to cost me big time, just to get to work and write my exams. There are so many people who depend on OC Transpo, something has to be done and done fast. It's the holiday season and the winter weather is starting to really hit Ottawa. This strike is helping no one. I've become so stressed that it's hard to focus on studying for my exams, which is why I'm here in Ottawa in the first place! This has to end and it has to end ASAP. I am just down right outraged and frustrated.

Pete
I just started a new job this week....It take me an hour of bus everyday, I dont mind it at all...but I cant miss any days...If I take a cab to work Il loose money, and I just finished college, finaly got a job in my field and this could just be the end of it....I understant OC Transpo workers....but this is almost as relyable as a hospital for some of us. Cant just go on stike...its a very important service for 1 of Ottawa's population.......this is retarded

James
Okay, so I watched the interviews with Cornellier.

He is ordering in a strike because they can't choose which days they will get to work. Seriously? Who the hell gets to choose which days they get to work? Not a whole lot of people that's for sure. Want more freedom with when you get to work? Start your own business or find a different job.

Why cripple a city because you don't get to pick which days you want to work on? Do you think Doctors, Firefighters, Police Officers or Paramedics enjoy working night shifts? Or 24/7 shifts? Or working on Christmas Eve? Or Christmas Day? Or birthdays? I'll put my money most of them saying no.

What do these jobs all have in common? They provide essential services to society. Just like OC Transpo does. Suck it up or find a different line of work. To strike over something like this is absurd.

J
Ok, so to anywho who supports the drivers. Yes there are two sides to every story, but guess what. I have worked twelve hour days with no break in a warehouse and trust me, thats tiring. I don't have sick days period and I'm lucky if I push 18$ an hour when I come in on a day off. So I have no sympathy for these selfish people who have decided, almost unanimously, to put 350,000 people in a very poor position. Insert swear words here

Frustrated in Ottawa
Did you all know that a lot of these drivers already make 6 figures for driving a BUS?! I am an engineer and a medical student, and I am baffled at how hard I need to work to make a living, while these guys have it so easy making people wait while they slowly walk into the Tim Horton's to get a large coffee and 40 timbits for their fat asses. I was once a bus rider, but the inconsistency of the service and increasing fares have resulted in me driving. Another thing is that since they have had a mandatory yield sign on the busses, I have almost gotten run over twice by drivers not even bothering to look over. If I am almost past the bus, just wait 0.5 seconds to let the last driver by, and then merge into traffic.
I say:

1. Make this an essential service

2. Fire those mofo drivers and get new drivers that will work for half the salary these uneducated arrogant idiots are making

3. Let's implement a privately run bus system with lower fares and lower salaries for new drivers... This would lower taxes and make a lot of residents happy. RETIRE the OC Transpo, it's old, poorly run, way too expensive for the services offered, and to top it off, they have an idiot running the union.

mark
100,000 dollars !!! When the law came into affect that civil servant salaries over that amount had to be disclosed their were quite a few bus drivers on the list. Now they want more money, they drive buses, they have job security paid sick days, most people do not. The largest employer in the country is the service sector industry and if you aren't part of management your sick days and job security are nil. Scrap the system and it's people it has become a bloated feeding trough for overpaid whiners.

LJP
I would've never thought that I would see the day when I would say nice docile Ottawa has real life terrorists operating with impunity. Why the city never saw fit to deem transit travel an essential service particularly after the strike of 96, I will never understand. This union leader talks about respect and dignity because the city won't allow bus drivers to dictate when and how they should work. This is a classic case of the tail wagging the dog. I wish I could walk into my job and make demands like that.OC Transpo seems to want to be run like an elite club for the long timers.I want to know what they have have done to add value to the sevice that they offer.some of these bus drivers are inconsiderate morons who will see you running to catch the bus in a blizzard and will move out on you when you're right outside the door.This has happened to me on several occasions.Also where the bus is full and they're shutting the doors on people while they're still trying to get off the bus.Some of them won't even crack a smile in greeting.I wish there were a way to weed out these morons because truly there are some sweet bus drivers who actually do their jobs like announcing the stops as they come and sometimes with a song.Its unfortunate.I wonder if the union leader has any kids,and if he does what message does he thinks he's sending to them.that its ok to be a petulant child when you don't get what you want? That you should just go ahead and take it by force? This is the second time that i can remember that OC Transpo has taken strike action and both times its during winter and exam time.

Dan Smith
I cook for a living. I live downtown, and currently work in South Keys.

I live on my own, I don't own a car. I have no carpool options. I make less than half a bus driver's salary a year.

I know bus drivers are people too, and that your job can be pretty unpleasant.

But I'm no stranger to long hours with no breaks, or bad working conditions. In most kitchens you can only get a break if you're a smoker. You're not allowed to be sick, let alone get a sick day. You consitently make less money than any of the service staff. And don't forget the hundreds or little cuts, and thousands of little burns that are just part of the trade. That's just life as a cook.

I can now officially not get to work. If this goes on for more than a week or two, I get to choose between Christmas presents, and rent.

So have your strike. But when it's over, don't come eat at my restaurant. God forbid I have to suffer the indignity of DOING MY JOB for someone who wouldn't do the same for me.

Rita
I had some empathy for the drivers when this began. I think the city is at fault for a lot of the poisoned atmosphere. But when I heard 2 interviews with the union head today, and when I learned that the union would not guarantee they would let yellow school buses that would be specially chartered to take kids to school get through their picket lines, my support for their cause died. The drivers are not being served by this particular leader who does not trust his membership enough to allow them to vote on the recent offer, and whose flippant attitude toward the exceedingly difficult conditions this strike will create is an insult to everyone, including his members. These are tough times, folks. We ALL need a little respect. If the drivers were to take their day on Wednesday and then get back to work and if binding arbitration were brought in, it sounds like the drivers might have a good case. But if they continue down this road, under the leadership of this union rep who only gets his "respect" wehn he is on strike (his raison-d'etre, after all) then they are doomed to this poisoned work environment, and to public backlash, for the foreseeable future.

Chris Hymers
Think of how many Students are being forced to walk or not be able to go to school to potentially graduate University or College, wheres the respect for those students, or anyone who will lose their jobs over 'your' disrespect for the community

and a 20% increase of vehicles..think of how many accident that will cause espically in this kind of weather we're having people arnt prepared because busses are reliable in this city..

Screwed Over
bastards. the drivers, that is.

Anonymous
"Its not about the money"??? Ya right, nice of them to say that, especially when their asking for 10.5% over 3 years. Wonder what they'll say if you take away the raise and just give better schedulling/sick days only...

OC Drivers make anywhere from $25-35/hour (50-60K/Year). I know people who would work for them at half the pay, and be happy they have a job.

Leave it to the Union to wait until a major snowfall and -12 weather. I guess in the end, more $ for the drivers means more $ for the union. (But then again, its not about the money).

Fed up
This is pretty unbelievable. They should be either:
a) Legislated back to (what they call) work OR
b) turfed out on their collective ear and replaced.

Driving a vehicle is not rocket science and they are already far overpaid for what they do. Look at the rest of the world: People who actually worked for and paid for an education are not getting raises and being laid off; people want jobs and cannot find them; people are being asked to do more with less; and then you have OC Transpo - what a farce.....

S. Cunning
I cannot believe that the union would not promiste the public school board that they would not picket schools or their bus drivers in order to get our children to school safely, and they want respect. What are they showing our students in this way.

Anne Ottawa
I watched the news this morning and another detail has come to light, several in fact. First the final offer presented by the city, the unions did not even share with their members.
Second the issue of pay . These guys already make very very decent wages for what they do and for the education required for the job. The fed govt is only getting 6.8% over 4 years, what does that tell you?? Lastly the issue of scheduling. I did not understand the problem but now I do when I heard some more details on Steve Madeley this am. Apparently there is a buddy system in place where a driver will call in sick, tell one of his friends, who then offers to come in, where the buddy gets double time for working that shift - the is what the city wants to control and I dont blame them. No wonder OC transpo has to keep raising fares with this kind of abuse. This is scandalous and a huge waste of my ever increasing property taxes. OC is going to get so much bad PR from this it isnt funny. You are punishing the marginalized people who really need the service (poor people, single moms and dads, people with no cars), not the rich who have cars and drivers and can afford taxis. And it doesnt look good on you. Really good pr you are going to get if someone freezes to death having to walk in this mess. Whatever respect I had for OC transpo is now completely gone. Shame on you.

Dennis E
To 1) Andre & 2) Andres in Kingston.
I have been and still am a union member in another trade and Andre is dead wrong by not brining this last offer to his membership because he is afraid they might accept it and his personal agenda is not been addressed.
2) Andrea in Kingston: Yes I have seen drivers being disrespected and that lays at the public's feet, the drivers are the excape goats, if you have been waiting for a long time in the rain , snow and cold getting madder by the moment when the bus gets there they just explode on the driver and that is wrong as is you dad having to eat while driving.
In the case of the City they are to blame as well as there is no excuse fo this issue not being setteled by now and maybe some other issues we don't know about.
Two possable soluations, 1) make all negoation public (on tv) and we would then know just who is wrong or right. 2) as in my union No Strike NO Lock out, put it simply the union can't strike and the Company Can't lock us out of work and we both are boun to binding arbritation, if the contract is done on May 1st and we can't reach an agreement we remain at work our best offer and that of the company goes to an arbritrator who has a set time to research everything and award the side who's offer is most fair and reasonable. In this type of system we the union have won some and lost some but of most importance is we have all won as we stayed on the job our pay was never disrupted the company kept it's comitments. the big thing now is get it over with

Mark T
OC Transpo has to stop this. These bus drivers are getting paid more than enough to do what is asked of them. I hope that all of you greedy OC Transpo bus drivers know that you are the cause of many accidents on the road and possible deaths due to accidents of the people who take your buses daily who now have to drive to work. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Enough is enough! These strikes happen too often and it affects too many people.

Michael
I haven't taken the bus for a few years now, but I consider myself very lucky to own a car. In today's economy, it's a luxury.

I can't imagine the Union trying to pull this stunt at this time of year, as others have stated..."Hold the public and city, hostage".

This should become an essential service, no question. I could think of many people who would take an OC Transpo drivers job in a heartbeat.

Many employees of companies have to scrape by and sometimes get a 50 cent, or dollar raise, with no benefits...and sometimes nothing.

After watching the interview with Cornellier on the news last night, I spoke with my Dad on the phone, and we both came to the same conclusion...the president of the Union came off as a miserable pr*ck...

Eric Snyder
A note to the union. Is it REALLY necessary to strike... REALLY? While I can sympathize with one or two of the issues, some kind of work to rule campaign with drivers wearing buttons or ball caps is almost guaranteed more success than a strike which punishes only the public

Shannon in Ottawa
I don't understand how 2000 people or so should be allowed to hold 100000 people for ransom. I thought we didn't bargin with terrorists. These drivers have lost my confidence in their humanity - and - I don't think I can listen to the whining any longer. As my Dad would have said - Take a look around - You've got it pretty good.
For the people they have screwed over - I hope your employers understand and you don't have a difficult Christmas - To the OC Transpo Strikers - Remember: You'll never make back what you lost during a strike.

D.Choquette
The premier says this is an "important" service? What is this, a catering strike? This is ESSENTIAL to tens of thousands of people!! Including me. The people who are commenting that this is not the end of the world etc. you obviously have cars or easy back up. How about the recession that we are in, your telling me that a 7% raise over 3 years deems rejection when the bank I work for is forgoeing raises for the next year because of it? OC transpo needs some healthy competition. I would rather be able to chose monkeys on snowmobiles than this transit service, but I need it, get back on the road!

Russ
I was stunned to hear that the universities have indicated no flexibility whatsoever in this matter. This is truly as despicable as the strike itself!

Sarah (Ottawa)
Fisrt off I would like to comment on the issue of respect that the bus drivers feel they lack. FYI you are working in customer service. CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS. You are a living breathing vessel by which the general public can, AND WILL, vent whatever frustration they are feeling in regards to the product, or, in this case, service you are offering. It's the nature of the job so DEAL WITH IT or get a new job. Even more than that, what respect do 50% of drivers give the general public? If you have ever ridden the 118 you know there is a driver on that bus who should not be allowd contact with the general public. HE IS HORRIBLE. There are several others who also need to be reviewed. A certain "gentleman" that drives the 96. There are two more, 146 and 87. And for anyone who has ever waited for the 111, is that the route they put all the drivers who cannot tell time? As a commuter when I watch a fellow commuter booking it to catch a bus and reach the doors as the driver closes them and drives away, I always ask myself . . . what just happened in (the driver's) life that they are so miserable they have to make everyone else feel it?
And here they are again. Miserable and making the entire city feel it. I guess one passenger at a time wasn't enough. And why not? The timing couldn't be better. We're in the middle of a recession, exams are starting, snow's falling and Christmas is coming. Why not tell the whole city where to get off at the same time and then whine about respect. Maybe they'll put that on a greeting card this season.

Mike
I cannot believe the segment with Carol Anne and this Union ugh (leader?) I would be embarrassed to have this person representing my best interests. He mentions it's all about respect, well he certainly didn't show any respect to the media in that segment last night.

Hard times call for sacrafices, well maybe the OC transpo drivers should have their free dry cleaning service taken away from them. I mean isn't this costing tax payers? Aren't bus drivers capable of doing their own laundry and ironing? A lot of them also use it for their personal belongings.

Two of my sisters are nurses, they get no such benefit, one would think that a nurse is more deserving of having their uniforms laundered on the tax payers dollar, moreso than a bus driver?

I do how ever feel badly for the drivers that do want to work and are unable to have their say, because of and obviously uneducated ignorant Union leader. Folks that's just my opinon, and I am entitled to it!

Mike
I cannot believe the segment with Carol Anne and this Union ugh (leader?) I would be embarrassed to have this person representing my best interests. He mentions it's all about respect, well he certainly didn't show any respect to the media in that segment last night.

Hard times call for sacrafices, well maybe the OC transpo drivers should have their free dry cleaning service taken away from them. I mean isn't this costing tax payers? Aren't bus drivers capable of doing their own laundry and ironing? A lot of them also use it for their personal belongings.

Two of my sisters are nurses, they get no such benefit, one would think that a nurse is more deserving of having their uniforms laundered on the tax payers dollar, moreso than a bus driver?

I do how ever feel badly for the drivers that do want to work and are unable to have their say, because of and obviously uneducated ignorant Union leader. Folks that's just my opinon, and I am entitled to it!

R.T.
Respect is a two way street ?
That's OC Transpo code for give us what we want and the hell with our riders I guess.
Cornellier, you have pushed the door wide open this time. The cities deal in these tough times was fair. Now its not about money? Its about sick day's off is it. Get your rest if I was in charge.As well you say we have one of the best bus services in the world. I don't know what planet you live on but it certainly is one of the most widely funded with taxpayers dollars.
I just hope the city doesn't cave into the extortion this time.Every three years its the same deal with those bozo's.It's time taxpayers claim out rights as we are the owners and true bosses of these employees!
NEXT, who need work ?

bc ottawa
I feel for all the people that is affecting, but as far as I'm concerned let them strike. The taxpayers in this city have been held for ransom long enough.

Who gets to choose their working hours in the real world? Respect is not a gimme it is to be earned. (your union leader needs to take a few classes on that)

Fire the lot of them and start over. If you don't like your working conditions then find another job. Alas most of you could never find a job that pays as well and provides the good benefits you already have.

If you want to see the latest offer then demand so from the jackass union president and in today's world be thankful for the job you have.

Sam in Westboro
Months ago, I wrote to OC Transpo, the Mayor, my MP and my MPP. What I discussed in those letters was that after living abroad for 2 years I had anticipated returning to Ottawa's transit service and see some improvements. Imagine my disappointment to find that it was even worse then when I left. I try to live with a commitment to green initiatives, but I made a decision then to tear up my transit pass and drive my personal vehicle. I never received a response from any of the parties I wrote to. So with that said, I would have a mild appreciation for the strikers if they were standing up about the overall inefficiencies of the system, unfortunately these are not their main concerns.
Further, it takes only a few bus rides to see the absolute danger of a large portion of the drivers on this transit system. How many of us have experienced the lurching acceleration and sharp braking? Seeing passengers tumble onto other passengers, the floor, the hand rails... when they drive on a dedicated roadway (the Transitline) they still manage to get into collisions with fellow transit vehicles/drivers. They injure and kill people every year. It's very difficult to find sympathy for their cause. A small part of me wonders if terminating the entire lot wouldn't result in a less greedy, better trained transit workforce.
On my greed statement, All I can simply say is that they have turned down a financial package that was a better offer then what Canadian Federal Government Public Servant's recently accepted (PSAC). If our public servants (and indeed, ALL of Canada's employed, retired, students, etc) are tightening their belts, what is different for a bus driver?

T in Ottawa

Screwed Over said: bastards. the drivers, that is.

I wouldn't go that far, yet. If you saw the news last night, Cornellier won't even bring the offer to his memebers. Isn't it great that one person is the voice of the many? And what does Cornellier have to lose? NOTHING. He's paid by the union, so he's STILL getting his FULL pay.

No, Screwed Over, don't call the drivers bastards, yet. You can call the drivers bastards if the drivers end up re-electing this clown as their Union President after this is over.

K
I agree with most of the comments. Let them strike. They wanted to strike before negotiations were even over. Drivers are rude and most not overly helpful. I heard them say they can't have a bathroom break, but they don't seem to have a problem parking and going for a coffee. The union doesn't run this city, and management doesn't seem to have a clue on how to manage. I'd like to start fresh with the entire bunch.

David in Ottawa
BRING ON THE COMPUTERIZED TRAINS AND FIRE THE 2000 EXCESS DIVERS WHO WON’T BE NEEDED AND THIN THE MANGMENT AS THEIR JOBS WILL BE OBSOLETE. NOW THAT IS SAVING TAXPAYER DOLLARS AND PROVIDING A SERVICE WHICH WILL NEVER BE AFFECTED BY A STRIKE AGAIN! One only has to look at the computerize trains in Atlanta airport, Vancouver transit, Calgary transit…etc.
Most OC Transpo bus drivers have NO Concept of customer service and I include OC Traspo Management in that group. Drives are not even obligated to stop at bus stops anymore. They stop 4 or 5 bus links from the stop and then they drive away leaving passengers stranded who are standing at their bus door. I thought buses were in the service of Transporting People not just driving around empty or sitting empty at the yards today! I have seen drivers ignore Blind People with number signs because they “already stopped near the site”. Drivers sending text messages on their phones while driving, they speed constantly endangering the lives of all citizens. We only need remember the recent deaths south of the border due to a bus driver text messaging. The union is nothing short of a Terrorist organization holding the city captive with this inhumane behavior with complete and udder disrespect for their clientele. This action whether legal or not is completely unjust, when you consider the population of Ottawa and that 2,300 selfish individuals can close down the city and affect the livelihood of over a million people. To me there is a lot of “foreign immigrant” terrorist mentality and behavior in the union lead strike! This is an essential service and not one that can be closed down ever again!

GV
What we need here locally is someone that is willing to stand up to OC workers~Example USA President Ronald Reagan firing the air traffic controllers in the states when they went on strike!
I watched Mr.Cornellier's interview last night with Carol-Ann..needless to say he certainly showed his true colors- greedy,disrespectful,and lack of any dignity

vaalea
Now more than ever I wish we were looking at Personal Automated Rapid Transit (google it)... because of the weather too.

Glenn from Nepean
Are you telling me the city allowed this bus strike to happen over nothing. The Seniority issue and booking cost taxpayers $0.00 and the city thru $2,000 bonus and allowed a strike over that.
They should all be fired in city hall.

Dustin Botelho
Just wanted to point, as you all probably already know (bus drivers) you have screwed over as many people as possible all at one time, and the thing that amuses me the most, is that in any strike situation involving a Union, the thing that always comes out is this... "Its not about the money"... Let me get this straight, You a) Want more sick days... Money to sit at home when you dont feel like sitting on the bus driving... b)You want to choose what and wheb you work... Christmas Eve, Boxing day, pays more?....Money, Increased wages for "doing the hard job you do" and the like. The way I see it, everything boils down to money... sure sometimes ya work under the sh*tty conditions you do as to the rest of us in working in the public, but since you've began your job has anything changed, probably not so why now, at a time of economic crisis with people needing as much work as possible to pay for rent, gifts and bus tickets to get home to see family... personally as a carleton student I was fortunate to find a ride to school TODAY, six hours earlier than my exam time. Great! Thank you OC Transpo whiners for royally screwing over thousands of Oc Transpo riders all at once

Darcy Whyte
This should not be permitted. Can the the economy withstand more disruption?

There are people starving in the city, it seems excessively greedy to use the transit system as a tool to disrupt.

They don't own the buses. We all do.

S from Ottawa
As a season buspass holder and everyday transit user I'm personally affected by the strike. This is costing me money for gas and parking everyday. Everyone should have the right to strike but Mr.Andre Cornellier did not have to call the strike now they could have maintained the status Quo and waited until the new year and try to work out a deal. I say lock them out until January 1st.

I Give in Ottawa
How do I join this union?

I mean they exert more power over the workings of the city of Ottawa than the Mayor, or City Council, or the City Manager.

I just want to pay my union dues if that's what it takes so that I can have a say...

There is only one word for this strike: extortion.

The issues being forced are not livelyhood threatening; no bus driver is going to lose their house because the union accepted what the city is offering. The issues are very petty. So to take this to a strike is simply saying:

It doesn't matter what you offer--it's about me having the power. I have this weapon (the strike) and unless you give me what I want, I will use it.

That's pretty well the definition of extortion, using a weapon to force another party to do what you want.

So, if extortion its going to be, why not do it without the frustation of this crazy commute--just send me my bill for my union dues so I can vote for "No Strike" in a vote that has some effect.

Really, I will pay up front. You (the union) do have the power.

Of course, it should be clear from today's commute that OCTranspo should be deemed an essential service, and their right to strike (that so effective weapon) legislated away from them.

Either that or let me join the union...Something has to give, and I don't think it should be the city's offer; that was reasonable.

Either make this form of extortion illegal, or let me join up with the extorter, but stop the commute insanity.

Mario from Ottawa
"This is not about respect and dignity. This is about power/control." Amalgamated Transit Union wants to have control of the management which is supposed to have been managed by the City. This is totally incorrect. I do believe that the Amalgamated Transit Union is doing something that is totally unacceptable within their management system which is why they do not want the city to manage which will then show their true agenda. The OC Transpo drivers, dispatchers and maintenance staff should question André Cornellier on why the city offer of 7% increase over 3 years and a $2000 signing bonus was not put on a vote because this is a fair offer from the City. I do not even take the Bus but I am really concern on what is happening to the our Nation, it seems that everyone wants to take power/control nowadays. "This Nation needs to come together not apart."

conscious immigrantl
I am a newly landed immigrant...I have heard so many things...good and bad about Canada...my conclusion is that a lot of people...from the lower to the higher end of the society... are fully taking advantage of the system and they know who they are...some people somewhere in the middle are working for all...and this is not fair at all...As far as OC Transpo strike I really think it is disgusting and selfish...these drivers have more than they deserve...no education for most,silly characters,inconsiderate drivers,too much pay for what they are actually doing...it is the first country where I am seeing bus drivers paid and behaving like "doctors"...while some landed immigrants with PHD's are on welfare or driving their own taxis...it is a big shame...I think that public transport should be privatized like in so many countries and all unions in all sectors should be dismantled...no one should behave like a spoiled brat..and finally I hope for much less local and federal government ...as it is too bad all these people are abusing the system ,serving themselves first and citizens ...last...shame on all these fatties...and pity for poor taxpayers.

c.j
cheap bus drivers who get payed 60k a year,screwing all of the city,crying for a pay raise ...

JessRashotte
Well, it's now official: OC Transpo has gone on strike and I cannot go to work. I make a tiny sliver above minimum wage and thu slive below the poverty line. I cannot afford to miss out on a $90 day and yet here I am sitting in my pj's. I had another ride arranged but that person is snowed in because the city has not yet plowed her street. Great. Just, great.

Lexa
Fustrated,amazed,helpless...
why can't OC Transpo handle each employee as they are hired? Give them an employment contract at the time of hire. Like the conditions, you get hired, if not go somewhere else. Why does a contract has to expire?
And Larry we the Ottawa citizens did not get you in the office to look pretty, but to make decissions, so make one. ESSENTIAL SERVICES!

Chris from Ottawa
Not about the money? yea right!. Sick days and working conditions? They're busdrivers!! What do they expect....a cozy office with a leather chair? If they don't like the working conditions behind the wheel then quit! What will it be next year? 9am-5pm and weekends off for everybody? Why don't they open-up and run their own small business in todays economy? Then they'll see how good they had it driving a bus. Fire all the greedy pigs at OC transpo. Fire all the incompetent councillors at City Hall if they don't make this an ESSENTIAL SERVICE after this strike!
It's always the public that suffers....

Angry at the spoiled drivers in Ottawa
These guys say it's about "dignity": what nonsense. It's all about benefits, which translate into monetary value, which equals pay and comfort. And they're doing this when Nortel is considering bankruptcy, thousands are being laid off, there is no possibility of bonus or raise for me this year, many other businesses are cutting salaries, and the federal service has accepted 1.6% (?) over three years. Get back to work, shame on you!