Updated: Thu Jan. 29 2009 21:32:49

ctvottawa.ca

Avoiding federal back-to-work legislation, the City of Ottawa and the Amalgamated Transit Union have reached a tentative deal to let an arbitrator end the public transit strike that has paralyzed the nation's capital for 51 days.

Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien told CTV Ottawa that all issues - including the contentious scheduling question - will be unconditionally sent to arbitration under the agreement reached Thursday with ATU officials André Cornellier and Randy Graham.

The agreement still needs to be ratified by both sides before the strike officially ends. City council will hold a special meeting on Friday at 11 a.m. The union will hold a ratification meeting as soon as members can receive proper notice.

"Both parties realized that the moment the federal government agreed to take this to legislation, it was over," O'Brien said.

"We agreed very quickly that we could go around all of that, and simply go back to the process of getting those buses on the streets for our citizens."

O'Brien said the arbitrator would find a balanced approach between the two sides, who have clashed on dozens of issues ranging from scheduling control to wages.

"I know citizens have been through a lot, but I think this is the best way to get a fair and reasonable offer," he said. "It was absolutely the only way we were going to reach a deal, and I'm very comfortable we're moving ahead this way."

The city will also continue to seek regulatory changes from Transport Canada on work and rest rules.

Union leaders told an evening news conference that they regarded binding arbitration as an inevitable outcome, despite the continuing gulf between the sides' bargaining positions.

"Everybody wanted to make something happen earlier," Graham said. "We think this is the best solution for us."

City begins preparing for buses, O-Train to return

Although an agreement has been announced, it will still take at least one week to get the first round of buses serviced and back on the roads. The O-Train will take less time because the cars are serviced by Bombardier mechanics.

The city will make announcements over the next three days on how and when OC Transpo service resumes. A barebones Sunday-type service will have to run for several weeks before full schedules resume, said Councillor Rick Chiarelli.

OC Transpo priorities will be major 90-series routes that use the Transitway, 600-series school buses, and other main routes such as the 2, 7, 12, 14, 85, and 86.

Liberals and NDP were prepared to support back-to-work legislation

Thursday's agreement came after Labour Minister Rona Ambrose threatened to introduce back-to-work legislation to end the strike -- which would have also resulted in binding arbitration. An emergency debate in the House of Commons scheduled for Thursday night was cancelled after the deal was announced late in the afternoon.  

Transport Minister John Baird, the MP for Ottawa West-Nepean, said it became clear on Tuesday that the city and union were "not going to put politics aside and come together" once talks collapsed.

The federal government had the back-to-work legislation prepared to enact immediately, Baird added. Marjory LeBreton, the government leader in the Senate, planned to keep the upper chamber in session late Thursday night in case the legislation passed through the House of Commons.

Ottawa South MP David McGuinty said the arbitration agreement reflected the fact that the right to collective bargaining had to be balanced against the public good: missed medical appointments, lost jobs, and stranded students.

"Both sides lost perspective," said McGuinty, a Liberal whose party, along with the NDP, supported the back-to-work legislation.

"The city and the union became very ideologically entrenched. I think they began to understand they lost perspective and that people were suffering."

Drivers, councillors react cautiously

More than 2,300 bus drivers, dispatchers and mechanics walked off the job on Dec. 10. They had been working without a contract since April.

Craig Watson, an OC Transpo driver and a scheduling representative with ATU Local 279, told CTV Newsnet that the public had every right to be frustrated.

"Both parties need to collectively shake their head," Watson said, but added he thought the city "did a lot more wrong than we did wrong."

Another OC Transpo driver told CTV Ottawa that: "It doesn't matter what I say to the people, because I've been talking for 51 days and people still don't understand."

Councillor Diane Deans said the federal government's back-to-work threat forced the ATU's hand.

"I think until the minister acted, the union was not prepared to leave that thorny issue of scheduling to an arbitrator," she said. "(But) there's a real risk to our taxpayers anytime you go to arbitration. You could end up paying more."

A discussion on making public transit at least a partial essential service will need to happen in the future, Deans added.

Maria McRae, another councillor, said both sides need to "learn something" for future contract negotiations.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Natalie Pierosara

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Comments are now closed for this story

K. Lowe
So let me get this straight, CJOH is now reporting that Larry O'Brien wants to meet with City Council to discuss the interpretation of what the Feds back to work legislation will mean. Um, hello, Earth to Larry???? You wanted the Feds to intervene for several weeks, and just now, you want to know what will happen. For all of you stating that the drivers and ATU are holding the city hostage, take a look in the mirror. The face staring back would be that of Lying Larry O'Brien.

It seems larry has had the sudden realization that by forcing the drivers, mechanics and dispatchers (you know, those 2 other groups also striking) back to work, that you will be forced to sit down with a Federal Mediator or Arbitrator who will force a contract that the City and Union must abide by. Bad for the city in that thses cases usually go to the Union. So go cry to momma Larry. Instead of sitting with the Union, and delaying negotiations on the scheduling (all it really is is shift bidding-which 90% of retail or service workers do to get their shifts-the more seniority you have, the better the pick of shifts) and hammering out a deal, the ATU may be handed everything on a silver platter. How will you explain that Larry? More lies/spin doctoring to the general public of Ottawa against the front line employees (read here drivers) who will be assaulted, threatened or harrassed? way to treat the public and your employees Larry!

Lorna - Orleans
So here we are, with bitter bus drivers, who have been out on strike for approximately 8 week and yet another (possibly) 12 weeks until full service. You tell me . . . is this acceptable?

More like a recipe for disaster.

I support the City and government
Thank you Federal Government for stepping in and forcing the ATU back to work.

Thank you Mayor and City Council for not giving in to the blackmail by the ATU. You have my vote.


I hope an advance thank you to Mr. Baird for removing the loophole that allows scheduling abuse and bus drivers to make over $100,000 a year.

And finally, thanks to all the evil, self-absorbed, unethical, cruel, ATU members for showing your true colours and resulting in huge public support for removing the right to strike, legislating unions back to work quickly, and privatising OC Transpo.

Kim
>> "The Bloc Quebecois and the NDP said Wednesday they will not support back-to-work legislation"

Please do not vote for those who do not ride the buses. They do not know the hardship that we're in.

Glenn
Its about time.
There should be no issue but to vote yes.
The NDP are not supporting it, therefore the city of Ottawa residences should contract Mr. Dewar(MP-NDP for Ottawa)and tell him to vote yes.

Jimmy (FEDUPWITHITALL) B - Perth Ont.
Thank goodness someone is finally taking the bull by the horns here. The unfortunate thing is that the feds need ANY kind of support from the NDP or Bloq. On one hand you have happless Jack (I don't support anything unless I proposed it) Layton and on the other hand you have a political party that exists purely to squeeze whatever they can from a country before they separate and really don't care about anyone's cause but their own. Whatever happens here's hoping the godforsaken strike ends soon!!!!

Dave
Fire the OC Transpo Drivers!!!

The city lost their respect for these guys.

frustrated ottawan
Chances are the liberals won't support this either so no chance the buses will be on the road soon.

Karen
ATU 279: Time to grow-up! You still got time to stop the strike before the Feds forces you to!! You need to remember not to elect our current union leaders.

J
Thanks to President Obama, for his much earlier visit in Ottawa, for helping indirectly the city to end this nonsense.

Larry O'Brien is officially a failure for this city.

Tessa
Whatever the outcome of this, there won't be winners on either side even if the binding arbitration goes in favour of the Union. Down the road they will have to cancel routes as many people won't use the bus service anymore therefore drivers will have to be laid off and maybe the city will look at contracting out or even privatizing this service.
The Union showed its ugly side by ruining so many people's Christmas, so many businesses will have to close their dorrs, so many students won't accomplished their goals for the year, so many seniors have spent their days lonely and helpless so there you go the damage has been done!

Tabitha - Larry Must GO ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
T O : K Lowe
thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, I hope everyone reads your perfect piece.
To anyone who thinks the ATU are 100% to blame...GROW UP !
I agree unions have had their "day", but the 100% thuggery attitude of O'Brien and the council is unacceptable.
This council agrees on NOTHING else but this, ask yourselves why ????
It is all spin doctoring, media manipulation and we all B O U G H T it.
The union is trying to look after it's members, the Council has to look after the residents. No public transit helps no one.
O'Brien is a thug, a bully, who still has 7 other city unions to negotiate with.
Some of you voted him in and TAA DAA ! ! look what you've got, hope you are happy.
Next elections We Need Change .....remember that

Michelle
It kills me that the Bloc gets a say in Ottawa's affairs. They have no interest in this other than to make Ontarians angry with the feds.
And the NDP are beholding to the unions because they get a lot of support from them. Disgusting that they would prefer that the vulnerable people keep suffering to avoid angering the union.
And the Liberals will have to support this legislation to not make the McGuinty government look like idiots for supporting back to work legislation in the York strike.
We are good, the libs and cons are all we really need. There are buses on the horizon.

Randy
I have seen reports where student had to drop out of school for your cause,well done I hope you sleep well at night!!Get back to work enough is enough if you don`t bake enough money driving a bus then get another job and good luck finding one I hear the EI office is understaffed right now ,maybe they will hire you!

Helene West
Mr. Dewar please remember that you represent constituents in Ottawa before you blindly follow your leader and vote against this legislation.

Vafa
The main source of problem is the City Council. It is like Calgary City Council who gave themselves 5.5% salary hike, at the current situation which many people are getting lay off and even City staff salary hike is frozen. The City Council has to forget any raise and give that money to those who need it instead of fattening their own pay cheq. and buy a larger house and car.

Jay
To J
For the 100th time larry was not part of the talks.

George in Renfrew
Ever since the strike began, I have said time and time again that this is the last straw with OC Transpo, and I will never again do business with OC Transpo or the City of Ottawa. Price and poor service were my first peeve, abandoning that mother and child (and stroller) made me think twice about riding OC Transpo, but the second they went on strike, I promised I would never again ride an OC Transpo bus or the O-Train, and this promise will remain unbroken until the day I die. Thank goodness I live in Renfrew, where everything is within walking distance, even in winter, and the cab companies are much more reliable, less expensive and offer a much better customer experience than OC Transpo ever will.

Steve Cutter
Let's hope they legistate the same increase as the public service, greedy ATU and senior drivers I feel for the other OC workers caught up in their counterparts greed. Say goodbye to your overtime now with Baird closing the loophole...enjoy your last trip to Florida and ice fishing for awhile

dan from ottawa
Andre Cornellier will not loose his job as union president. He is the only one, in a long time, that has stuck to his guns and not turtled to the city's bargaining tactics. In my opinion, he is doing a great job fighting for what the majority of the union membership believe's in? He's got my vote. On another note, I can't wait to be back at work again. I wish that the city and the union would have come to an agreement on there own, but welcome the back to proposed legislation form the federal government

ONLY PROS
It's funny how on pretty much every story you have people for, and against the issue at hand naturally,,, but with the strike, I only see "GET BACK TO WORK!". This reinforces the fact that people are fed up and this issue be taken more seriously. When it comes to push and shove, the people are the ones who command.

oc employee
Im all for going back to work and making money again ... thanks to the lack of leadership on larrys part... to protect the citizens of ottawa and show a sense of responsible for them having provided a nesscary service ((of bus transportation)) ...now the feds will intervine and at a price of UNCONDITIONAL arbitration the city mayor and council will have put the city through this hardship for nothing as with the UNCONDITIONAL arbitration the ATU members will be given far more then what the city offered in the contract ... I hope this show all u people supporting the city council that you failed as well and will reflect next time you post judgments ........ NO means NO ............

Bruce S.
I am sick and tired of this stupid strike, stupid Union members and stupid city council.

I keep wondering about the legality of firing all the drivers and rehiring them as NON-Union workers. It would look good on them

V in E
"giving hope to many Ottawa residents who have been stranded in their homes and forced to walk for hours to get to work, school and other appointments."

I have two words for these people: 'carpool' and 'taxi'. If you can't adapt, please don't procreate.

JohnT
So much for the NDP's support of "working families"...the working poor, social assistance recipients, elderly, single parents and students are the most hurt by this strike, but they don't make big contributions to the NDP, do they? Kiss your seat goodbye, Mr. Dewer.

PRIVATISE OCTRANSPO
I am soo pissed off, I just want the buses back. Fire all of the OC drivers, And hire a private company to take over, I am sure they can find thousands of people who'll do this job for 40% of what the current drivers make

Infuriated and Impotent in Orleans
This is not a done deal yet, folks.

E-mail your MP and e-mail Jack Layton and Paul Dewar. I can't believe these clowns are against this! And I can't believe the Bloc, who don't have a party in my province, let alone this city, has the power to nix or delay this! Total BS!!

Unbelievable that on both sides and at every single level, this has been completely mishandled.

To those who say the inconvenience is minor or people are getting used to it, speak for yourselves! That's a complete, total crock!!

M
I will not celebrate until the buses are back on the road. Will this be just another light at the end of the tunnel that gets extinguished when it all falls through?
I wrote to my MP regarding this and have yet to even see a read receipt for my email. I had faith in him until I read comments about how the NDP will not support back to work legislation. I wish his mother were still with us to set him straight on this and point out how many of the people she helped to get to Ottawa are suffering needlessly.

M
I blame the ATU 279 for all of these!!! Shame on you drivers and union leaders!!!!

G. Mfuni
I think Ottawa politicians are dumb. How can a Capital of a world known great nation have no public transit operation for almost two months? If we can not solve such a simple essencial service quickly, how can we solve bigger problems of a larger nation? Politicians should go back to school and take Social Studies. This is a Capital of a developed nation...a seat for examples.

N. Randall
Its very simple. In preparation for next time...

Eliminate or segregate the Hull routes.

Cut the feds out of the equation.

Queens Park will declare it an essential service.

Joe
This is all the unions fault. We, the citizens of Ottawa own the buses and routes. Fire all OC Transpo employees. I, myself will never, ever step an inch on an OC Transpo bus.

Bus Drivers Work For US
I put 100% of the blame on OC Transpo drivers. Say goodbye to your overtime you greedy, close-minded PUBLIC SERVANTS. I have a car but used to take the O-Train to Carleton. I will not ever again buy a buss pass and will hope as many drivers as possible lose their jobs. Have fun dealing with the people YOU WORK FOR.

No Union For Me
I have to wonder how many unionized people are against this particular strike but would still be willing to do the exact same thing and hurt a third party just to gain an edge at the bargaining table.
I'll bet there are a lot.
Me, I will never pay union dues and support a union that would abuse people in such a terrible way.

OC commuter
I ride the bus downtown from Orleans everyday, 6 days a week. I will continue to do so. But NOT the first day they go back to work, and I urge all my other fellow commuters to do the same. Let empty buses put home the point that the union works for US, not Mr. Clean down in city hall. Both you guys and Cueball had 9 months to arrange a mechanism over scheduling, and you both chose instead to take it out on us riders.
In the middle of winter.
Over Christmas.
We aren't going to forget that, not when it comes to elections or transit hearings. Don't expect me to show up your first day back, and don't expect me to vote for any incumbents in the next municipal election.

carole
To N. Randall
What do the Hull buses have to do with this. We have had good service from them during the strike. The Feds need to get involved because OC buses go across the bridge, not the other way around. How do you change this? Have anyone working on the Hull side take the Hull buses in the morning, just like we take OC buses (when they are not having a hissy fit and refusing to do thier job)once we get off the STO buses.

A big THANK U TO CTV FOR LETTING US HAVE OUR SAY!
Thank-you CTV for keeping us all up todate, and for allowing us to have a say in this stressful bus strike!
I am sure that because of your website? People have planned rally's, people have spoke how the buses on strike has affected their lifes, by losing jobs, health matters, etc... because of your website, and allowing us citzens of Ottawa to have our say? Im sure this is one of the BIG reasons, why the goverment is stepping in to force ATU back to work, so Ottawa can get back to normal, ( well, Ottawa will not get back to normal unfortunaly, because many lost their jobs, others suffered health problems,..), but at least now, something can be done, and we can have hope for once! Although, I highly feel, this, ( forcing ATU back to work ), should have been done weeks ago, at least something is being done now. We need affortable transportation, and we are paying into affortable transportation, and we have been robbed of affortable transportation since this strike began almost 2 months ago.If Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe does NOT support forcing ATU back to work? I fear for his position next election, as there are many, many people who live in Quebec, who also rely on OcTranspo buses to get to work. This descion should be settled asap! This has been dragging on too long!

Chris in Ontariariari-Oh!
Did I read correctly?The N.D.P. supporting back to work legislation.Their provincial counterpart's were unwilling to do so as it would compromise their labour support in York U. strike with C.U.P.E. They must somehow be inconvenienced for them to go against their brother's and sister's in solidarity.

Mike from Nepean
Well the timing is pretty funny.

I guess all it took of a few days of PM's having to get their own coffee and lunch because their workers couldn't make it to work because of the bus strike.

No wonder the Bloc and NDP are waiving their never voting for back to work bills.

Manic Mechanic
Strike is over ATU wins.

Long live the union and its members.

Larry Could not break this Union.

NKS
Welcome step by the government. The government must compel them to work. I lost job because of this bus strike. If the so called union leaders do not agree to go back to work, they should be removed from their jobs. They have given us too much pain and sufferings.

Steph
I hope that this actually works - this is our only hope since our mayor is useless and the bus drivers could care less about the city of Ottawa. I hope Alex Munter runs again for the next mayor election! Which isn't coming fast enough..

The Feds are the only hope for city of Ottawa residents.

James
I say automate the public transportation system: robots don't go on strike.

Dave
Thank you to the Feds for putting an end to this stupid long strike. At least someone else sees what the city is doing here, all the lies etc.
The public, their families, the drivers and their families are all hurting by this strike. No one wins.

avenda in Cumberland
.. three months to get full bus service ... HELLO car .. BBB = BYE BYE BUSES!

Fed Up
There are too many people mouthing off about this issue who have absolutely no knowledge about labour relations or how to conduct negotiations. Demanding that the city "stand its ground" against the "evil" union when its the city that's unacceptably trying to ram through a drastic rollback to an already-negotiated term of employment is pure folly. I can understand it from Joe Sixpack but it's inexcusable when city councillors and Mayor Curly O'Brien. They are all incompetent!

chris in Ottawa
While very grateful for the end of this long and horrible bus strike, I remain very angry and bitter towards the selfish, greedy and ruthless ATU union who started this strike right before Christmas and of course in the cold winter. I wish the bus drivers, mechanics and dispatchers could all be fired. I will not forget what complete jerks they have been. I had to walk so much, sometimes with groceries, that I now have to see a chiropractor 3 times a week and am in great pain - thank you ATU - you selfish, cold, heartless idiots. I truly hope the Arbiter does NOT give them what they want.

Freddy ottawa
The union ATU 279 just caved in and the strike is over.

Tarek
Common sense has prevailed!!! Glad to hear that it is over....what a waste of time. I feel really bad for people who have lost their jobs and for businesses that have suffered. No one wins in this type of situations!!

Sickened student
hahaha, the only reason that the city and the union have made a deal now is because the bloody union was afraid of the back to work legislation.
About time.
Something else that's pretty funny is Rona Ambrose's decision, I wonder how many emails and phone calls she had to receive before she felt pressured to finally do her job?

Peter
I GUESS THE UNION WON AND THE CITY LOST. 51 DAYS OF THE STRIKE FOR NOTHING. NEXT CITY ELECTION I WILL NOT FORGET THIS STRIKE.

WE THE PUBLIC LOST WE ARE THE LOSER

Maki
>> City, union reach deal to >> end Ottawa transit strike

HOORAY!!!! HOORAY!!!

But no thanks to ATU 279, Rona Ambrose and the Mayor/Councillors. I thank President Obama for this. Without his help (on going to this city on Feb 19), we wouldn't be riding the bus soon.


HOORAY for the CITY of Ottawa!!! HOORAY for President Obama!!!

Now, for the jobs lost, lost business in the Rideau center and other places, hardships of the Ottawa citizens --- you can blame the ATU 279 for this (and some on the Mayor/councillors)

John
President OBAMA really did a great job for this city. By announcing that he will come on Feb. 19, he's able to make the strike stop and allow us to ride buses again!!!

GREAT JOB, MR. PRESIDENT!

Donna from Orleans
Of course Andre wont lose his job, he is retiring at the end of this tenur. It became a war of "two people only", Lyin O'Brien, and Angravating Andre........enough said.

Nathalie Caron
City, union reach deal to end Ottawa transit strike

Updated Thu. Jan. 29 2009 5:21 PM ET

HURRAY! It's about time!!

Saabha
Do you think we can ride soon? I'm blaming the OC Transpo drivers (the ones on ATU 279) for any delays on having the bus ready.

Arrogant drivers!

City Won!
Wow... Took this long!? All i can say is that The Bus union was scared from the goverment. They were scared that the goverment will fire them... Because they heard about rona was gonna take action. HAHAHAHAHA WOW! Bus driver.... you're a ebarrasment union.

Sean
Now that the strike is over, the city will focus on reducing OCtranspo salaries and prevent overtime accumulation. Also, wait and see what happens to these drivers the day they get back to work. There are a lot of people that are just waiting to get their hands on them.

Kevin
They wouldn't strike a deal until the feds threatened to strike one for them?

Shame on city hall.

Shame on the union.

And shame on our MPs for not dropping the ball, but failing to pick it up in the first place.

CLEAN HOUSE!!!!!!

Ben
its very odd that hours before the legislation comes in to force OC Transpo back to work they come up with a deal why didn't this happen back in December. I think this is a snow ball by the city and the union to cover up thae fact that they are the laughing stock of the country as we are canada's national capital. Which didn't have transit service to go to the world juniors game and get to appointments.

Student in O-Town
Enough with the blaming ATU and Mayor O'Brien! Just be glad something is finally being done! Do you ALL really want the strike to go on for another 51 days? I certainly don't. Yes, the strike was a HUGE pain. Yes, it took enough time for something to happen but at least the two sides are finally reaching a deal on something. What ever happened to looking at the positive side of things (such as looking at the fact that deals are FINALLY starting to be reached?)?

Nedia-Vancouver
So in 2001 Vancouver and region had a transit strike that lasted 4 months and the Federal Government did nothing. A far bigger city than Ottawa that affected many more transit users (bus, sea bus and skytrain). Does that seem fair?

=^_^= from Downtown
Is this a joke? It's over? I sincerely hope the binding arbitrary goes in favor of the city. Or many people will have suffered two months for no reason whatsoever.

Leon
The whole country now is kidnapped by different kinds of unions, associations, etc. Where does the competitive of this country come from?

Happy!
I am so happy! Soon I wll be back driving my bus - and for those of you peed off, too bad - GET OVER IT!

If you want someone to be PO'd with maybe the name Larry O'Brien would be a good start.

Remember people we wanted the contact talked about last April (our contract ended March 2008) but the city refused to get off their collect arse and talk about the issues.

We wanted binding arbitration a long time ago on exactly the terms that we agreed to today - so why didn't lying Larry do anything then?

I guess that's the question to ask of him!

Just think - we get to do this all over again in just under two years from now - Yippie!

Paul in Ottawa
How I feel about this is going to depend a lot on how the binding arbitration goes. I think the ATU was asking for WAY TOO MUCH.

Once they get back on the road, we have a chance to go on strike against them.

joshua k
About time they finally are getting the " goverment" to help out. this was really anyoing this strike. But I dont get is The oc people said its gonna be another month to get everything out and organized, they had a 3 month strike to organize it just in case they go back to work. I would have done that during the 3 month BREAK.

Mark Walton - Ottawa
If this is all true, and it goes to arbitration, it should be the "final offer" variety. The arbitrator or (more likely) board will choose either the City's or the union's final position outright - no cherry-picking between them, no bridging any gaps; one final position wins, the other loses.

There is ample blame to go around for all parties - Mayor O'Brien and council, and Alain Mercier; and the ATU 279 leadership - particularly Brother André. Randy Graham was at least less undiplomatic; the ATU "mother ship" probably sent him in to clean up the mess. I must add: those members who did not agree with the strike but did not stand up to Cormelier et al. One of them should become the next President of 279; IMO Cormelier is toast.

Kudos to the STO for picking up the slack on Ottawa-Gatineau traffic; they handled it very well. STO announced today that starting Sunday, Feb. 1, they will no longer accept OC passes, including Ecopass, for the duration of the strike.

Michael Artelle (Gatineau)
Well it's about time. Maybe I'll be able to get work at Tunney's Pasture as I work at night and STO's service donesn't run there 24/7... Yes, I live in Hull, but I've always depended on OC to get around Ottawa and I must say that I very disappointed at bith sides for not settling this earlier before the government had to say something.

I boggles me as to why they didn't strike in the summer when they stil didn't have a contract... nothing like freezing a couple hundred of people to death (whether they deserve it or not) for a stupid thing...

brian in ottawa
All hail Obama!

Obama brought the buses back. We shall thank the president of usa for promising a big change in the world.

Jay
To K Lowe and all those supporting the unions:

It's true that the city has twisted facts, but so has the union. There are no victims on either side of the table here. The only victims are the OC Transpo users. At least the city is protecting my tax dollars and they're not coming from a position of greed.

It sickens me that you want a better schedule because you may not see your family as much. TOO BAD! We all have to make sacrifices to feed our families. You want a better schedule? quit and find a 9-5 job. Good luck to you!

It also sickens me that you would turn down a 9.25% raise. Get a clue! try looking outside your window and realize there is a worldwide recession going on. You're lucky to have a job.

You drive a bus! Now get to it!

Done with the bus
I'm glad that this is over so that those who have not already lost their jobs or flunked out of school can pick up the pieces.
Shame on the union.
Myself, I'll never ride a bus again until OC Transpo is privatized.

Gary
Excellent, drivers win. NEVER DO THIS AGAIN LARRY. You smug idiot.

Jack Rabbit
While the union's ONLY interest is towards their PERSONAL benefit, the City has to keep in mind ALL residents including those who ride, those who do not and all who pay property taxes.

I applaud the Council for sticking to their position and being flexible around it. The Union has shown no such flexibility, and like a stubborn child stuck to their demand without entertaining alternatives. Don't forget the City already offered Binding Arbitration, but the Union wanted to keep scheduling off the table... but now it is all on the table and I hope the Arbiters are not PSAC affiliated Fed employees... (can you say conflict of interest?)

The only mistake by the City in how OCTranspo is structured. The City should only provide the transportation infrastructure and then contract individual routes to private organizations thus preventing a monopoly and another full breakdown of service... which will happen again if restructuring is not implemented.

Happy but it's sad for what THE PUBLIC DEALT WITH!
I would like to say thank you to CTV for allowing us to post and vent our frustrations during this selfish transit strike.
I feel terrible for the one's who have taken a loss due to this selfish transit strike.
My heart goes out to those and the one's who had to change their routines, lost jobs, students who lost tuitions time and money and especially to the elderly during this selfish transit strike.
I hope those selfish ATU strikers understand what kind of financial burden this has cost so many residents. You have no idea how long t will take to recoup our loss's because of your selfishness demands and greediness!

do not forget...
I find it funny now that OC transpo employees decided to speak now that the strike is (almost) over. They’re quick to blame anyone but themselves. There's actually a post earlier that suggests that we (the paying public) are to blame and that the ATU was the victim in this fiasco.

I'm sorry, but I hope the people of Ottawa remember forever the timing of the ATU strike, the letters they sent to schools and universities, the ignorant rants of Andre C., the threats to students during the crucial times of exams, they’re sadistic behavior at picket-lines, etc. Let us remember forever their poor service and their mischievous ways.

I agree that Larry handled it like a 5 year old trying to solve a rubix cube, there is no excuse for the ATU's behavior and therefore should not get off this easy. For every member of the union no getting paid, there was 20 people experiencing 20 times worst.

Do not forget......
They have voiced their opinions and their thoughts about us for 51 days for keeping us in the cold. It will be your time to show your “respect” when they get back to work! In the end of all this it’s the public that lost. People lost their jobs, people lost their lives, people lost their homes and their sanity. Students had to quit school, extend loans… and for what? So that 2 300 OC members could abuse of our vulnerable so that they can enrich themselves? They were off contracts for months! Waiting a bit longer to strike would have gained the public’s respect (at least mine). With Ottawa behind them, they could have solved this issue in 1/3 of the time. That’s assuming Andre C wasn’t the rep. because he’s an embarrassment to all the French-Canadians.

All in all, this whole episode will go down in history as one of the most disgusting acts of human greed Ottawa has ever seen… For those involved… I hope you’re proud.

Harry Dubue
ATU 279: You dared to keep the strike longer but you cannot keep you word.

Anyway, I put the blame on you for letting Ottawa suffer. These drivers are arrogant, rude, selfish and cold human beings.

The city should have privatized portions of the OC Transpo. Cities on other countries have done so, why can't Ottawa do it? Do not give in to these arrogant members of ATU 279!!!

Jen
Glad to hear we can get back to normal soon enough! A couple friends of mine have had to drop out of University as they had no affordable way of getting there! If I didn't live so far away from University I would NEVER use the city buses again. I hope people who can manage without the buses will refuse to use them.

Happy Bus Driver
Welcome back passengers! The doors of my bus are open!

I know you suffered. I will make it up to you. We are back and happy to be.

All aboard!

MrM.
My wife and I work downtown. The strike has forced us to search for a permanent alternative to OC Transpo. We have found parking within a 20 minute walk from work.

We have calculated that it has cost us less than the combination of buying 2 bus passes + the price of gas to get to the Park 'n Ride...and we get our daily exercise too!!

Power to the People...The Power of Choice!!
Say: BYE BYE BUS :o))

Jay
Gary
No this is not what the drivers wanted.They wanted eveything but the schedule sent to arbbitration.While the city wanted everything sent to arbitration.

Lisa
I hope they haven't forgotten that those people who hold bus passes are expecting full re-imbursement for the time of the strike. An express pass's value is $4 per trip. So I WILL be expecting at least $200 back! ..... you know, just as a reminder....

Both sides are fools, but especially the union.
All I know is that I've had the most stressful, brutal, money-consuming 51 days of my life because of this strike.

From the information I've tried to piece together over the past 2 months, it is my opinion that both sides are clowns. When two groups of ridiculous people refuse to quit being ridiculous, this is what happens. EVERY single person in the city has been directly or indirectly affected by this idiocy. Cornellier, O'Brien... get out of here. Seriously.

can't bellieve manic mechanic
Dear Manic Mechanic;

Strike is over ATU wins.

This says you but did you get your desired raise and keep you rediculous scheduling? How do you know this before your union does? Your fearless leader has agreed to binding arbitration, no deal has been signed. You need to be educated on what has happened...oh yeah Your union boss probably told you. Now I understand...

Long live the union and its members.

I hope they do live long. It will take many months if not years of work to recoup your lost wages...even if you do, the lost ridership should allow several of your "brothers and sisters " to lose their jobs. Hopefully you will be one of them.

Larry Could not break this Union.

And the union could not break Larry. Binding arbitration means both sides agreed so no one broke anyone...unless you got all you wanted (which you haven't) you really need to listen and understand things more.

Dan
Way to Go Larry..... Stand up for what US taxpayers beleive in. Yes, it was hard on most of us, but to think of more wasted tax dollars going to pay UNSKILLED drivers 100,000 a year.
Thanks to all city commuters for hanging in and supporting our CITY... Dont forget to say thank you to the union members when you board the bus for the fist time.

A Noyed in Ottawa
Thank you Obama for announcing your trip to Canada and forcing our politicians to address this unionized fiasco.

Kris
The union should shrivel and die. It has absolutely no place in 2009. Market forces should dictate the wages - these are not skilled jobs.

Natalie from Bells Corners
Well, it's about time the buses got back on the road. The ATU was being unreasonable and denying the public their right to public transportation. The city should have taken the $3 million they made per week with no buses on the roads and put it towards firing OC Transpo and hiring a new private company.

That said, it is the government's responsibility to see that that our rights as taxpaying citizens are not taken away. They neglected us when they should have stepped in much earlier.

To OC Transpo, it was bad enough before when we paid some of the highest bus fares in the country and received the poorest service in the country. Now no buses at all? Unacceptable.

S. Disturber
A retort to K. Lowe;

You have no clue what's going on. The city has a problem with DANGEROUS work schedules where drivers work long hours with little rest to get paid OVERTIME. This is an unsafe method of getting paid exorbitant wages. Way to spread facts that are not even true though.

Thi
what a waste strike, who lost only the riders. Useless union. Citiznes are start worring about job because of bad economey. this ppl want control the shift. city should give this driving job to private companies, they will show how to run bus.

Andrew
WOW...Umm...wasn't the Emergency Session of Parliament scheduled to be held at 6:30 tonight? So, as soon as the union hears the Feds are about to step in...all of a sudden the deal is OK? Again, I say...WoW. I am totally flabbergasted by the amount of BS the ATU has put this city through.

YOU LOSE ATU
So the ATU had to give in and go to arbitration. I guess they knew they lost and wanted to try to save face before the government forced them back to work. To all the ATU members out there, you lost this one big time...in so many ways.

Ryan
This is a terrible decision. The people of Ottawa just suffered through 51 days without service only to be caught in the end by binding arbitration. Shame on you Mr. O'Brien.

qwerty
Barack Obama, you did it again!

I love that guy!

Man on the street
ATU 279 has been defeated:

Scheduling is going to arbitration as well.

Cornellier opposed arbitration.

Cornellier lost.

How sweet is it!!!

ATU BLINKS AND LOSES
Thank you to the Mayor and City for fighting the evil presence among us, the ATU. Never in the history of Canada have 2300 people been so despised. Never has a union demonstrated such horrific entitlement and lack of conscience. We have all won in showing them that we won't bow down to hostage-taking. Manic Mechanic and all your cronies...your union blinked and you lose.

Marc
I am glad to hear we'll be seeing buses on the road soon but I am not happy to hear that this will be going to binding arbitration.

The union demands are absurd. The salary increases they want are way too much. I am hoping they won't get it but I am not counting it. I think arbitrators are retired union employees.

Mike from Ottawa
51 days of winter without the busses and counting. We still have awhile to go. This should have been settled a week in shame on city hall. Absolutely ridiculous. I've wasted alot of money and I know a lot of others have as well.. good job to both sides you've lost alot of respect.

M in Ottawa
I am truly disappointed with the way this has been taken care of. I am a long time bus rider, I do it for the convenience, for the environment and so I can read a book on my way somewhere - I also a car. Ottawa has had to wait 51 days for any (real) movement on this strike and it took the threat of the Feds before it happened. How could it take this long! When Toronto’s transit went on strike, they were legislated back in a day. This is Ottawa, the Nation’s Capital! Unfortunately… not a city with as much clout as “the centre of the universe”.

Keith
All i can say is both sides are dumb and 16 hour work days, if they get it, isn't that what we call ridiculous?? Would you want to be on a bus with someone that's been driving 10 hours or so....yikes. Good it's over now it wont take me 3 hours to get from kanata to downtown.

Manic Mechanic
can't bellieve manic mechanic.

If you only knew.

daniellestp
It is about time the strike comes to an end. It has been a hard 50 days in Ottawa. I think President Obama coming to Ottawa helped move the government to a stage where something had to be done.

Jay
Keith
I have no idea where you heard there 16 hour work days.The max not every driver would work is 13.

Dan the Bus Driver
I am really happy to be going back to work. I enjoy my job and I enjoy the people I drive (as I wouldn't be driving a bus if I didn't like it). See you all out there. I'll be wearing a big smile.
Thank you for your patience during this. I know it has been really stressful and for that I apologize.

Jane
I wonder....the majority of the Ottawa's citizens are upset with OCTranspo leaving them to deal with the ramification of the lengthy strike....how will you greet or interact with your bus driver when you enter the bus the day they return to the road...smile with relief or tell them what you think!!?

Angry dad
Citizens of Ottawa! For weeks the Union harrassed us. Now that they go back to work, its time to turn the tables.

Now it's time for us to harrass the drivers!

Jennifer
Hey, ATU, you owe me 5000$ in relocation and rent.

And where can I get a refund for my annual bus pass???

Frank Dvorzak
Jack and jill spoke on the hill how to topple the oc transpo first fell jack then jill came tumbling after

Tara D
I think one thing the citizens of Ottawa are missing is that no one enjoys or going on strike. No one enjoys standing on the picket lines in the freezing cold of winter. No one.
I am one of the few non-OC Transpo affiliated people who supports their strike. Has the strike has been difficult for everyone, even those who do not use the service. I for one am a student at Carleton and I take multiple buses and the O-train at least twice a day. I will be taking the bus to school again once they are up and running. I will be courteous to the drivers, as I was before the strike. And I will still respect the bus property as any person with values would.
The end of the strike should be the end of your time spent with OC Transpo it should be a renewal in your hopes for a better bus service. If people continue to act nicely to the staff and continue to use the transportation the service will become better.

Student.
Drivers have screwed the citizens of Ottawa. Now they have caved in fear of the federal government and are back on the job. They always ask for DIGNETY and RESPECT.

WELL, NOWS OUR TIME. LETS GIVE IT TO THEM!!!

tb
December Bus Pass

I still have my December pass. Is it going to be good to use for the whole month of February? With all the garbage we have gone thru, we should not have to pay bus fare for at leat a month if not more.

cconnie2008
I wonder what the situation is going to be like when bitter bus drivers face off with bitter bus riders. Have your cell phone camera ready for the show.

Dennis Orleans
So the strike is over! Unfortunately the union lost especially on the issue of scheduling. No arbitrator will rule in your favor. You've lost wages and it will take years to recoup the loss. the word respect has been removed from your driver's handbook.
Many have suggested that OC Transpo be declared an essential service but unfortunately a service is deemed essential if lives are at stake. But lets look at it a different way. Many were forced to take their vehicles to work. They were also forced to leave earlier in the morning to avoid the traffic thus driving on less hours of sleep. A few accidents resulted in a few deaths. If just one of those persons who was killed depended on OC Transpo then it becomes an issue of safety. People rarely use their vehicles are not as comfortable as other drivers when dealing with high traffic on a daily basis. Most have seen these white knuckle drivers. They should be driving on Sundays only and riding the bus the rest of the time. As far as I'm concerned it is a safety issue and the service should be essential. For the union, too bad you lost.

Karachi
I'd just like to say that the strike is over. There is no doubt that it was long and has resulted in a lot of damage to a lot of people-in some cases, irreparaple and permanent. However, reality now is that the strike is over and I for one, can't wait to get back on the bus. Having said all this, I don't think that it's very "adult" like to label all OC drivers as greedy or to say that they will be faced with rudeness. There are lot of OC drivers out there like Dan above, who are very happy to be getting back to work! A few bad apples should not be the reason to overlooking the other few who do an outstanding job in getting me to/from home safe & sound. Welcome back OC drivers!

RLB
Gee the Federal Goverment steps in and all of the sudden strike is over? Did the Gov't scare the union? Yup! I hope ridership goes way down and the have to lay off drivers and mechanics..hehe Like the guy on CJOH news said "I had to take my bike and I will always take my bike now" Same here. However I am happy for senior citizens who need the buses to get around.

JK Gray
We the taxpayers are once again held hostage by unions. Our tax dollars go to fund these self serving unions simply by virtue of the fact that any public venture be it roads, buses, construction, government services and education are all governed by the unions. We have a looming primary teachers strike and a postal strike. When do we the public demand accountability for our hard earned tax dollars. When do we get a say on how are dollars are spent. The day of unions have come and gone. My personal opinion is that all unions attached to the public purse shoud be de-certified or abolished outright. Tax payers have a say...tax payers demand a say in how your hard-earned dollars are spent!

Rahi Atray
I guess now riders should go on strike... let them run empty atleast for a day or two.

M. Gohier - Orleans
The city and Larry sure gets my support and my vote on this. I'm happy they stuck to their guns even if it cost me 3 hours of driving and hundreds of extra dollars in fuel to commute downtown and back to Orleans every day.

If bus drivers thought their environment was stressful before, just wait till they get back to work. They are now the most hated people in the city and will be for a long time to come. Don't expect cheery hellos from the riders...

To those naysayers who blame the city and our mayor, I say open your eyes and ears. This was always about a power and money grab on the part of union members period. Gee, didn't the union turn down the offer to send all issues to arbitration just last week.

Way to go city and shame on you Clive Doucet for compromising the negotiations early on by speaking out publicly. You're lucky you're not my councillor because you surely wouldn't get my vote in the next municipal election.

A Federal Inquiry on the Strike is Needed
Now that the strike is over as the two sides finally came to their senses under the threat of being legislated back to work by the federal government, along with binding arbitration forced upon them, I hope that there will be a federal inquiry on this devastated strike so it will never happen again.

Proud ATU Member!
LONG LIVE ATU279!

This is a strike that never should have happened. Mr. Munter can you take over tomorrow?

THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT O'BRIEN - YOUR LIES WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

General Public:
For those of you wanting to physically and verbally assault the Bus Operators think again - don't do something stupid. OC Transpo special constables and plain clothes police will be riding the buses. This along with cameras that are hidden on certain buses you DO NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING FOOLISH!

Now lets get back to work...

Gord from Orleans
Thank God this stupid strike is over. Too bad it took so long. I can't imagine that the OC drivers are looking forward to that first day back when the wrath of the public is upon them, but I bet most people will keep quiet and just be happy that things are back to normal!

Steve
The City NEVER wanted arbitration!!!

The Union NEVER wanted arbitration.

What papers are you guys reading???

They both wanted conditions on arbitration! Geezz

mike
ATU thinkss they can avoid having to fall in line with Federal safety regulations limiting the number of hours they can drive without taking mandatory rest so that they can mint a fortune in O/T? Think again.

Jay
A Federal Inquiry on the Strike is Needed

No i really do not think a inquiry is needed.The issue is people have the right to strike so untill that chancges there is alwas the chances of a strike.

Rider from Barrhaven
How the union could reach a settlement now, this could have done this one before.

JK Gray
Nor will you publish any facts especially associated with the public purse....shame on you!....I am astounded that common folk don't recognize just how many unions are operating under the public purse....our tax dollars go to fund these militant...hold the public hostage unions...are you afraid to point out this fact....why?....sounds to me like you want to control what and how the public thinks and reacts....shame on you

JT in Orleans
So now that I read all the idiot union rhetoric about who won what,its now time for the union to be subjected to a class action suite by everyone who lost their job, every business who lost much needed revenue, every business in which productivity suffered due to employees unable to make their work schedule, every student unable to get to classes paid for by tuition, every senior who was unable to make it to an appointment, all others who suffered any kind of distress due to a union which chose to subject this city and all who live in it to economic terrorism by the timing and nature of the strike , lead by the likes of their idiot president who cheerfully told the people most affected to "screw You". Fire 'em all, lets hope city council has the brass to bust this union.If this was the 70's, Moscow Centre KGB would be sending the union president a "well done."

We win
ATU Loses.

Citizens FINALLY have their collective voices heard. I hope that there is an investigation followed by new legislation making them follow the same safety rules governing all other long haul drivers.

Or better still, cut all routes to quebec NOW and let them fall under ontario's rule...that way our leaders can ensure these extraordinary circumstances never happen again.

I also support a citizen revolt of sorts. Nobody should make an effort to ride their busses for as long as they possibly can.

This will teach them ottawa isn't a union town and you shouldn't screw with us ever again.

And our taxes will go down significantly after they go through some Nortel style restructuring.

ATU Loses.

AS
Well, all the little bus drivers are saying they won.

WRONG.

You lost money.

You lost respect

And most of all, you lost your dignity.

KimW
Oh for God sakes! The city finally gets what they have been asking for and suddenly Larry and the union decide they can play nice in the sandbox. I used to support the city in this but really I've just had enough.

Chris at Ottawa
So, the city's position, i.e., everything INCLUDING scheduling goes to binding arbitration, is not that outrageous after all.

TEE
I HOPE IT WAS WORTH IT YOU UNEDUCATED SELFISH BUS DRIVERS! Can't believe that some of you (drivers) don't even know what's happening. YOU LOST! You can blame your leader for that. I won't be using the bus EVER again, and I'm expecting FULL REFUND on my ANNUAL BUS PASS for EVERY DAY you've been on strike. I want MONEY back, no credit. What good is the "credit" when I don't want anything to do with public transport systems ever again! HAVE FUN GOING BACK TO WORK!

DP, now ANTI-UNION
Hopefully this will teach people that voting for an NDP oriented council gets you union oriented contracts; and then when a business person takes over they are stuck with dealing with greedy, impolite unions that are nothing short of economic terrorists with a little union badge. Shame on every bus driver. Shame on you. I have never been anti-union, UNTIL NOW!

Anne M
Why are some of you DOLTS giving Barack Obama credit for settling this strike??? He may be coming to Ottawa Feb 19, but he doesn't give a damn about riding a bus, he"ll be riding in a limosine. Come on don't show your ignorance!!!!

TEE
Watching CTV News Net, and Craig Watson says "I think the city did more wrong than we did (the union)". Well... that's not how I think, or in my opinion most of the citizens think. Who were the stubborn people that didn't even try to negotiate when the city proposed times after time? And, what's wrong with the city wanting to be more efficient with scheduling so that WE DON'T LOSE MONEY TO YOU GREEDY DRIVERS? What a scam.

And he also said the drivers were sympathetic towards us citizens? Well, you have a funny way of showing it. Who were the ones blocking the way to school for university students? Who were the ones blocking people's way to get to work? And, you tell me drivers were sympathetic towards citizens? Please, stop with your lies. No one's buying it.

You lost ATU and will lose even more
Citizens of Ottawa-Carleton unite! Let's do it! Let's launch a class-action law suit against the ATU. The students at York University have launched a class-action law suit against the union. And ATU, don't say to launch one against the City. The amount of e-mails they received in support of their position will show they were doing what the public asked them to do. You chose to strike, not the City.

Also, Citizens of Ottawa-Carleton, once things calm down, let's pressure the City to privatize OC-Transpo.

ATU, don't try to put a spin on this. You gave in on getting scheduling off the table. You were scared of the deal awaiting you from the federal governement.

YOU LOST ATU. Was it worth it?

jon
After reading all comments posted, I came to the conclusion that some people out there have never grown up and still use play ground mentality "Grow up!"

TEE
PS - This strike made me really think. Does "union" belong in 21th century? To be honest, it's uneffective where we have rules already in place. Now days, the "union" seems to be just taking advantage of their "rights" but not living up to their "responsibilities"

DP retort to Ann M
Bumpkin, it is not that Obama is on the bus. It is the streets are too clogged and slow for his motor cade to move swiftly in the city.

DP for the CLASS-ACTION against ATU
I will sign on to the class-action against the ATU. I cannot help but think of the 500 college students who quit school because they could not get there. Their money spent, without question some of them will not be able to afford to start over at school; their lives have been changed forever, and why? Because of a bus driver's greed to earn $ 100k.

I'll join any class action against the ATU. Seriously where do I sign up, and who do I make the cheque out to for legal fees? I have the money. I'm willing to join in. Heck I am willing to start it if you want.

George A
ATU279 WON!!!!

We knew the city calling in the feds would be their downfall. Larry boy got too cocky. He is an embarassment to us all!

I am looking forward to picking up my passengers once again.

P.S. Please don't yell or hit me - I am only doing my job. Thank you.

Don't worry ...its all good
Oh MY GOD!! I am hearing a lot of fear from you striking ATU members, your stressing to the public about the patrol officers that will be riding the bus and your concern for your safety.

Not to worry, spread the word...
We, the public do not care about them...we are only concerned about the 74% who voted "NO" back a month ago.

lol

Scott
Its not hard to drive a bus. Drivers should have been fired a long time ago and hired with people that respect the community they serve.

asdfghjkl
How can one side or the other say they have "won"? Haven't we all lost here? I see no winners at all.

For all those who say they will never ride a bus again, get real. Do your car pool drivers want to drive you around forever? Doubt it very much.

Despite the hardship this has caused, including my husband being laid off from work because of this, i can't wait to get back on the bus, that's the only "me" time i have all day, to read my book, to just relax.

You think you are going to "punish" the drivers by staying off the bus for "1 or 2 days"? I'm sure they are shaking.

And as angry as everyone is at whatever side, I find it absolutely despicable that people are wanting others to lose their homes, their cars, their families. You are sinking to the lowest form.

Bob
Too bad the feds scared you guys into a settlement. I don't know how log it takes to starve an arrogant, overpaid bus driver, but we didn't get to find out. Be greatful to have your mindless jobs!

Ali
Finally Fed know this strik is causing the health and safty issue. If they gave this thread earlier we won't see the strik that long.
If we want to learn the lesson from this strik we should make some law that prevent transit union to call strike in winter time.

Nadine Emond - Lauirn
Some people are upset that the buses will not be on full service wen they come back, but the fact is that people should be happy that the buses are at list back and we aren't sitting ducks anymore!.
I know I'm happy, now that I can go back to work to finish paying my wedding expenses and my bills that are past do from January.

Neil,Ottawa
I'm very disappointed.I can't believe the City gave in.Arbitrators are notorious for siding with unions and giving them whatever they want.So these selfish,arrogant,greedy bus drivers are just going to get richer and in 18 months or so when this contract expires,we'll have to go through the whole process again. A 51 day strike for nothing.Shame on you Larry for not standing firm!

U of O Student
It's about time!! The city lost their respect for those OC transpo drivers!

And the nation's capital can't even solve a simple problem like this one, what would they do when faced with a complex/complicated problem?!

What about the student's that had to drop out for the semester because they couldnt get to their classes, or the ones that have to walk more than an hour everyday, in the freezing cold, to get to their classes.
The senior citizens that had to get to their appointments.
Parents that had to quit their jobs because it wasnt worth going to work(they would be spending whatever they earned on cabs).
What about those people?

Did they ever think about others?
I hope these drivers never get what they want and people remember this strike for the next municipal election.

Way to go Larry!

Oh, and V in E, I dont think a student can afford paying 30$/day, 150$/week for taxies! ..and carpooling is not that easy when there's very minimal parking on campus!

jay
I find it funny some drivers saying the atu won.This is the exzact offer they city gave to the union 12 days ago.So i don't see how the atu won.It is aslo really amazing that the city offerd 9% raise over 3 years.Now the union likely will get 1.5% per year over 3 years.

marcela Orellana
BACK TO WORK BROTHTERS AND SISTER....YOU LOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We Win
ATU Loses.

how do you expect to pay for your 52 days off?

the bonus?

oh wait...

ATU Loses.

Theresa (Ottawa)
Well lets hope the strike is actually over. What they say and what they do are two different things. This decision should of been made week one. I blame the union and the city and some of the drivers. Let's not forget that now all the drivers wanted this. I've had to borrow a car, pay the insurance on it, gas and parking. It's cost me 320.00 extra a month to get to work instead of 81.00. You have good bus drivers and bad drivers. Once the drivers come back let's hope they perform like they are supposed. For one, calling out the names of the street. When it's dark out and the buses are full you can't see the street signs and don't know where to get off. I was on the bus one night and a blind man was sitting in the front, he was very upset because the driver was not calling out the street. I asked the bus driver to call out the street for the gentleman an he got angry at me. Which in turn angered me. I told him off and told him to do his job. The next night it was the same thing. I had to remind the same bus driver to call out the streets. You want to make the big bucks. Then do your jobs right. Then you have the drivers who are great. Thank you for them. My pet peeve is the number 3 run. Late, or too early and constantly missing the bus and ending at 11:30 pm. That sucks when you get people who have to work late hrs. That has to be resolved as well.

Darcy Wiggs (Barrie)
GET A LIFE!
Fire the drivers??!
Do you really that solves the problem? Perhaps you
should consider the problems
that led them to strike in the first place. Its not an easy job, and most people do not appreciate the skill involved to do a job like that. The public and the media need to consider the stress levels involved in jobs of this nature. Could YOU do it???

ARE YOU SERIOUS "YOU LOST ATU AND WILL LOSE ...
To:
You lost ATU and will lose even more

Are you for real - a Not a chance sunshine.
I too was upset by the strike but it was legal and yes the timing sucked but if you were a bus operator you have done the same thing. Remember! Not all bus operators agreed to this strike. So back down cutie pie and behave yourself or your momma may have to with hold your supper and send you to bed.

Jason from Ottawa
Please Remember this strike people in the city of ottawa when it comes election time to vote for a NEW mayor and NEW council. Remember how it affected your life in one way or another for those 50 days.

Dave in Ottawa
ATU caves in.

This agreement (all issues to binding arbitration) is what the city offered two weeks ago and the union rejected it.

Enjoy your 7 weeks of lost wages.

David
Just watched the little clip with another councillor. She say’s the city won’t give up on the safety issue and them proceeds to give an example of some driver working 3 month straight, could be the length of the booking, driving a bus (his job), that weighs 13 tons at 100km/hr on the 417,( speed posted along the 417), I see no safety problem, then she tells us this driver MAY NOT HAVE HAD more than 6 hours rest in 32 hours.
I’m sorry, I just can’t equate a ‘may not’ into a valid safety issue or a valid reason to have made this strike last so long. It does fit in with all the other lies and half-truths we’ve been told, it wouldn’t surprise me if the city refused the arbitration on another dreamed up excuse.
Why do we need 23 councillors, ( it’s not for democracy) when most want to speak as one trying to stop anyone who holds a different opinion . An email received from a councillor, “This position is not the position of the Mayor and his supports. Further, I have been told if I continue to make public statements against Council’s position and refuse to support the results of in camera discussions, I must withdraw from these discussions.” This kind of politics is simply wrong, how can any councillor give anyone clear and honest answers, do they work for the constituents or the Mayor, how is the media going to give us unbiased and balanced reports, that can properly reflect a difference of opinion from our elected officials.

Mike Stokes
ATU loses again

42 days in Calgary got them nothing ...Unions what a joke

Suzie in Ottawa
To "do not forget"
Excellent post! My thoughts exactly. Please everyone read it and think about it.

Kay in Ottawa South
I don't think there are any winners in this situation. Yes the public has been severely impacted and it will be weeks, if not months, before we get back to normal. Getting up at 4:30 am to get to work on time has created a city full of sleep deprived commuters, and we are frustrated, cranky and resentful at being taken hostage by this situation.

The OC Transpo drivers are easy targets for this frustration, but I hope we can remember that they to suffered. From the outside looking in, I honestly can't say I understand the issues and thus can't pass judgement on whether or not the strike was logical or justified. If I went 2 months without a paycheque I would be bankrupt. So to me there must have been a compelling reason for the union to hold out.

I'm just happy the strike is over and hope my fellow commuters will not funnel their anger and hostility towards the drivers. They have families, mortgages and responsibilities just like us, and they felt it necessary to take it to this degree. I don't understand it, and I can't say what I would have done in their shoes.

Michelle
Ottawans we must show the ATU how to behave like civilized adults. Just go back to riding the bus if it suits you, don't be angry and rude with drivers but DO NOT FORGET and continue to put pressure on politicians to create new legislation that would prevent the innocent and vulnerable from becoming the unwitting bargaining chips between two groups negotiating contracts. That is not civilized behaviour.

Julien
I have no respect for the ATU leaders.

Yes, they can strike. But that's an option, it isn't the only way to do things. They could have chosen to operate every day of the week on a Sunday schedule. They could have chosen to stop service one day a week, every week. In other words, still apply pressure without screwing over the city's neediest.

Who uses the bus? Primarily those who can't afford or use other means - students, the elderly, the working poor. And the insolence shown along the way - laughing at these people in their face. Simply unacceptable.

The city isn't to blame for the strike. Those who chose to strike are.

no longer a bus rider
Too little, too late! They can go on strike in no time, and now they are taking their sweet time to get back to driving? Greedy greedy greedy. They've lost so many customers. Good job strikers! Hope you do not expect a warm welcome back from Ottawa citizens.

Suzie in Ottawa
and to the couple of "Happy" bus drivers posting on this site: Enjoy your "happiness" while it lasts ... You still have no clue what you have done do you? I wouldn't wanna be in your shoes when you're back on that bus.

Rob in Ottawa
The overall salary package just didn't matter when the employee's can manipulate the schedule (ie generate Overtime) and determine their own salary. The Manager of any business must control the schedule to do his/her job. If you don't like split shifts, don't choose a career driving transit buses.

Furthermore, if Provincial Highway Safety Regulations limit hours of work a driver can haul around a tractor trailer load of groceries, why don't Federal Safety Regulations limit hours of continuous work for OC Transpo drivers hauling me?!?!

Jon in Kanata
I would suggest that all property owners in the city who are forced to pay for a portion of OC Transpo's operations through their property taxes (whether they use it or not) band together and demand re-imbursement of this loss. Otherwise the city will treat our loss in this regard as its savings (a "reward" for its incompetent handling of this issue at the expense of citizens). I heard the other day that they will delay billing for the property taxes until April (and supposedly lose a million dollars in the process) as some shoddy attempt to hide this misappropriation of our tax money. This is not good enough. Write your city representative about this and let's force them to repay us for this loss too.

Bu$ Driver$ are Under$killed/Overpaid Knucklehead
Commuters Unite!!

Boycott riding OC Transpo so that some of these drivers can get laid off and have no choice but to work for minimum wage driving a school bus.

Sing IT!! L*A*I*D*L*A*W....Laidlaw......

RJW West
Let me get this straight...thgousands and thousands are losing their jobs almost on a daily basis, and this union takes their gullible members out on strike. Unbelievable...truly unbelievable. And these clowns want us to take them seriously. Ban the right to strike for anyone whose actions impact the economy in any negative way.

I WANT A REFUND FOR MY DEC BUS PASS!
I BETTER GET A REFUND FOR MY DEC BUS PASS! I AM NOT GOING TO BE OUT $80!! BUSES WERE ON STRIKE, I DIDNT GET THE SERVICE I PAID FOR, AND I WILL NOT STOP UNTIL I GET A FULL REFUND!! I ADVICE EVERYONE ELSE TO DO THE SAME!
WE LOST ENOUGH MONEY ALREADY OVER THIS DAM STRIKE. ABOUT TIME ITS OVER!!!!!!!!!

A
V in E needs to get a clue. Carpool or taxi? Most of us have been trying to carpool in case you haven't noticed, and as for taking a taxi everywhere, well I guess you are rich to be able to cough anywhere from $40-$100 a day in cab fare. This strike nearly cost me my job, and my daughter's education, not mention a lot of frickin money. We the residents of Ottawa should b e demanding some sort of compensation for this tomfoolery. Or maybe we the residents of Ottawa should figure out a way to make a class action suit against the City and the ATU. I am working hard to find a way to get a vehicle so that I will never have to step foot on the bus again. Thanks for nothing you fools!!!

Not impressed at all!
Well to start I would like to thank the President of the United States; President Obama; for being so kind and coming to Canada on his first official visit. With out this political pressure on our Federal government the OC bus strike may have lasted for another few months. No federal, provincial or municipal government agent would want the international press to filming striking Bus drivers on camera or filming our most vulnerable Ottawa citizens walking to work.

Hail to the chief!!!

On that note I have spent 2 years in Ottawa, Ontario and I have only one comment; WTF?
I am an Anglo, born and raised in Quebec. I have, all my life, been physically and verbally attack for being a minority, when I lived in Quebec. I have been denied services and jobs because I was a minority in Quebec. But never have I seen such a completly stupid fight (OC Transpo strike).

I learned a few things over the years in Quebec.

1. The seperatist Quebecers are right. Their history shows suffering from english Canada's hands and they deserve to be in control of their own lives.

2. If your not willing to show bravery and courage your nothing. Stand up face to face with your oppressors or get lost and move on.

So, my last comment is this. All levels of Government and big business(Yes I mean you ATU) are not protecting anyone but themselves. Where can I sign up for an Ontario seperatist party; I am going to burn my conservative party card and want to protect the my people "the working poor" who live hear.

God I think I sound like a communist now :(....

David - Driving was easy without the buses!
Fire all the drivers!
Unions are for uneducated people so they can sit in their cushy jobs and get fatter and fatter...
In a time of economic downturn - these ummm what do we call them....hmmm not humans...how about leeches should be happy to just have a job!

MT in Ottawa
Oh for goodness sake!!! To all of you people who say the ATU has lost or that the City has lost ... Wake up and smell the coffee!!! It is us, the tax paying public that have lost ... we have lost jobs, homes, utility services, tuition fees and businesses (just to name a few of the things impacted by the transit strike) all because of the egos that were at play ... nobody wins here people ... that's the sad reality of the situation ... all that matters now is that these drivers get back to work and the city gets back to normal ... whatever normal is after being held hostage for 51 days ... the sad truth is that this could have ended a long time ago had the Feds jumped in sooner rather than later ... what a waste of my hard earned tax dollars!!!

Katherine in Ottawa
Tabitha has got it right. Fire Larry O'Brien. And get it right people. Our beloved Mayor caved in when the Feds decided to intervene. And speaking of greedy what about those Council members and the Mayor - look at the raise they gave themselves.
I blame them for allowing this deplorable situation to continue so long. Anyone who says they are just greatful to have a job well good for you but would you turn down a raise in pay and better working conditions? I didn't think so. By the way, do you like the way Ottawa tax payers are going to be compensated for not having a transportation service that we paid for? Paying your taxes a month later is not compensation we still foot the bill for something we couldn't use. Thanks for your generosity Baldy and Gang.

Holly (Ottawa)
I have no sympathy for the bus drivers with the economic times we are in they what to continue taking from the people with sheduling their own schedules..who works at a job where they make the decision on when and how long they can work. FIRE THEM ALL and hire people who are happy to have a good paying job!!

G Franklin, Ottawa
Whatever the municipal equivalent is,
IMPEACH O'BRIEN, IMPEACH O'BRIEN, IMPEACH O'BRIEN.

Shame that it took a US politician to give the citizens of Ottawa their lives back.
Shame on both the Union and the City: binding arbitration should have begun on Day 2, not month 3.

How embarrassing that the capital of Canada couldn't handle this.

Union hostage....
Ok, I say that it's Ottawa users time to speak ! Tell the bus drivers what you think when you walk into the bus, make sure they arrive on time ! Make sure they are polite and speak both official languages !

Rise up Ottawa, be vocal but don't go further ! (no violence please).

Remika
The people of Ottawa have lost.

The city counselors will continue to have their nice salaries, the bus drivers are ultimately going to get whatever they want - they don't lose out. It's the people of Ottawa that have lost - some have lost jobs, some have lost independence, some have lost everything. Neither side cares about what's happened to the people of this city. It's really unfortunate and I continue to feel for all of us who have ultimately lost.

Sylviane
Syl,
I am really appauled with all this nonsensense it has really been toolong. I hope by the end of this week we will see some developement.I ama person that work with elderly people and it has been a long time sice I have seen them and I hope they are allright. It is not the same when you talk to them on the phone or when you are talking to them in person. I really do feel for them.

Guy, senior driver.
About time Larry and party give their heads a shake. They saw the light at the end of the OTrain, and decided to move. I do feel sorry for those vulnerable people who dont have the option of simply taking the SUV to work. Im no bleeding heart,and I dont often say Im sorry(just ask my wife) but I am sorry. Ive been a driver for 20yrs and I dont know anyone in my circle of friends or family that works harder than I do. All you loud mouths than say Im under worked and over paid , go and apply at OC, we are hiring all the time (appprox 150 per year for the last 5yrs). Just make sure you dont have anything planned for the next five years or so.(10yrs in my case).If and when you do return to the buses, keep in mind Ive lost $10,000 in wages,so dont be smart just pay the fair and have a seat. The thing is Im captain of my bus what I say goes, not even god can question my call. So you give me a hard time and either you get off and walk to work, or I kill the bus and call security. End of conversation.. So do us both a favour and say good morning or even better dont say anything at all. My wife the teacher will probably say my grammar sucks but so be it.

Have a nice day.

WRMoon
Let's make February 21st a 'Don't Ride the Buses' city-wide protest. Let's tie up traffic, and show Mr. O'Brien what our workday commute was like without our chauffeured car and 2 block ride. Let's show the new President of the US what our holidays were like.

We made it TWO MONTHS without a single bus. Let's do it again for 24 hours!

***February 21st!! Don't Ride OCTranspo!!***

bus hostage
To: Guy, senior driver

You can stop the bus (oh wait you did that already). If I want to tell you what your strike did to my job, my family and my health I will do it. Now who will "security" believe.. you or the 100 people on your bus.... The city owns the bus... oh yeah, we pay for your salary too.

Stop the bus. You'll only make alot of angry people that much angrier...

remember I said no violence...

Brian
Avoiding federal back-to-work legislation, the City of Ottawa and the Amalgamated Transit Union have reached a tentative deal to let an arbitrator end the public transit strike that has paralyzed the nation's capital for 51 days.

What a load of BS the minute there forced back to work they decide to settle, this mayor is not for this city this could have been settled weeks ago..thanks Larry for grand standing..you are a joke...

to ATU drivers:
Don't BS the folks. Just get back to work; this has gone on way too long. I think the management has every right to manage; that's their job. And that includes employee scheduling!

icedog
Brian
This was not a matter of grand stading bby larry at all.I find it odd all the blame larry gets yet he was not part of the talks.This was the same offer the city offered 12 days ago.

Finally its over but what happens now?
I say we should get two months FREE ridership from the city and the union for both being stubborn, liars and childish!

I hope the arbitrators give US, the citizen of Ottawa, a fair deal!

showrespect
Guy, senior driver
I think this is the problam why so many people are bitter with drivers.Your playing the victim card while in fact its the citizen not the drivers whoa re the true vitims.Pople have not been able to work as much because of this strike.In alot of cases people have lost there jobs again because of the strike.People were unable to go shopping visit family go to the docter etc yes because of the strike.The worst possible thing any driver can do now is go on they are the victim.

LULA
OK WHILE NOW THAT THE STRIKE ENDED DO WE GET FEE BUSES FOR FEBURARY?? CUZ I AINT BUYING NO BUSES..AFTER I BOUGHT ONE FOR DEC ..AND DIDN'T GET TO USE It??!

TO THE UNEDUCATED BUS DRIVERS
We the public, the citizens of Ottawa demand :
APPOLOGY
RECEPT
CURTESY
TO BE CARING SERVANTS TO THE PUBLIC
LEAVE AT HOME YOUR ARROGANCE
AND RUDE ATTITUDE

Margo
This woman told me that her brother-in-law (an OC Transpo mechanic) has been laughing since Dec 10 because he knew that he would make a bundle in overtime as soon as the strike was over. pathetic eh?

TMS
Well well, after we suffered so long the strike is soon to be over, but what are we "the passengers" going to face when the doors open up on those buses? We have unhappy drivers who feel forced back to work and extremely frustrated, I am just affraid we may get the blunt end of the stick, you know there is going to be lots of sour bus drivers behind the wheel. Forget about getting security for the drivers..we the passengers may need it instead!!

George
It is funny to see all of these shining ATU 279 faces on the television in a profound belief that they won. Hmmm ... can't wait to see the first ones deal with the wrath of the public when they come back to work. I think that I would call in sick on the first day if I were you fellas.

tony in ottawa
Now you get your buses back and your still complaining this city is a complaining place, I know what it is all the people that have comments in here probably never even use transit,good job atu the atu will never be broken.

AP
Thank you all you great citizens of ottawa for all your great comments throughout the strike. I'll make sure not to give you the same comments when you board the bus. Seriously not all bus drivers wanted this strike. A lot of people in Ottawa are not as nice as I thought they were!

R.F.
OCT is no more a reliable service for me. I do not trust OCT to let my children use them to get to school. The whole ATU seems to me "not one of us" . Their brutal and meaningless strike in a time when the most needy people needed them proves that they do not belong to our city but are here only to make money.
I'll try to find a parking spot soon and enjoy the comfort of driving my car to work and not seeing those arrogant drivers. Essential service? Do they know anything about service?

Caleb Hayward
Why did this not happen a month ago? Did the city have to suffer a minimum of at least 2 months before anyone cared? This is an absolute joke. The option of a mediator has been in place for a majority of this process, and both parties have taken their sweet time calling "urgent meets" in non urgent fashion to con us, the people, into believing anything was getting done. Both parties knew bloody well they weren't in any rush. The Union was in no rush to wait out for a good deal, and the city was in no rush, because they are saving tons of money not having to run buses for 2 months. Next time you step on the bus and a driver asks to pay the fare ask them, "what should I be paying for?", and next time you do your taxes, ask the same thing. The answer to both is: NOTHING!

how I will handle greeting bus drivers.
I will smile.
I will be calm.
I will keep my mouth closed.
And finally, I will simply hold up my middle finger, ( my way of saying hello ), to the bus drivers.

My way, is simple, no words are exchanged that can lead to violence, just a simple, middle finger greeting. ;)

LJ
To Guy, senior driver.

you said: "Ive lost $10,000 in wages" That tells me one thing, your one of those people abusing the schedule that caused the strike in the first place.

P.Keene
So when they were about to be forced back to work, they come to an agreement... the union only wanted to save face... "we went back to work on our own free will, no one will force us back to work"

GOOD ONYA LARRY!!!!!

Fikre Bus Rider
In the face of being forced back to work by Parliament, the city and the union did in about five hours what they couldn’t do in 51 days. It is a joke both parties were playing until tonight. They were waiting some action from FED because they thought we CANADIAN have not a Federal Government.

J.C.
We need to remember that there are no winners in this whole thing. The OC transpo employees have been struggling financially, people have lost jobs, students have quit school and parents have not been able to spend time at the hospital with their sick children.
This inevitably begs the question: Was all this hardship worth it?

CL
Let me get this straight:

President Obama comes to Ottawa Feb 19 and they (City and ATU) ended the strike now.

Why didn't they do it a month ago... BEFORE the IIHF World Junior Championships?

Your fellow passenger...
To all of you who are demanding respect and an apology from the bus operators please stop. This strike was hurtful but it was witin their legal right.

We must begin to mend fences folkes. Let's stop the poison pen letters here and now.

Thank you - your fellow passenger.

Tom
they stole the christmass. I hate them...i truly do ... and you know what?.i have a car,but seeing people like that ... aaahhhh

Matt
A VICTORY FOR ATU 279! UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL! ATU LOCAL 279 AND ITS MEMBERS CANNOT BE BROKEN!106 YEARS OF STANDING STRONG!

Sonya Ottawa.
To the illetrate uneducated bus drivers:

Finally you are back to work , there is no other choice for you. You public servants you should stop behaving rudely and respect the people who help you earn your daily bread(the tax payers) you should bend on your knees and ask for an apology from the public.

Sandra
Well its about time. It only took the government to threaten back to work legislation for everyone to see the light. If the government had been back earlier this might have been cleared up alot faster.

Mikael
Unions are a joke. They had their uses in the past but have no place in modern society. Just look at the NA Auto Industry.

Get rid of unions and you get rid of your problems.

The LCBO union contract is up in March. Bet you cant wait for them to strike!

Adam
to Guy, Senior Driver,

You lost $10,000 of wages for not working for a month and a half? Give me a break. You guys are really overpaid!!!

Glad it's over
Um, the feds didn't order them back to work. The city council and the union reached a deal. Does anyone in this city pay attention or is everyone too busy spouting off to even read the article?

Glad it's over
Um, the feds didn't order them back to work. The city council and the union reached a deal. Does anyone in this city pay attention or is everyone too busy spouting off to even read the article?

angry
Both the Mayor (O'Brian) and the union representative (Andre C) should be ashamed of themselves and the lack of leadership and thoughtfulness they displayed over the past 50+ days. Neither can claim any role in resolving the OCTranspo situation - in fact they each contritubed to worsening the situation... shame on them and damn them for their testerone laden stupidity.

What kind of deal
So, let's see: "The union will hold a ratification meeting as soon as members can receive proper notice" This is the same union that has held a gun to the city's head for the last two months. This is the same union whose lazzy, rude, overpaid, underworked drivers demanded the world in the middle of a recession. This is the same union lead by that worthless dork Cornellier. This is the same union whose members treat the public like we owe them something even when they are not on strike. This is the same union whose members are rude, arrogant, ignorant, selfish, greedy, self-centered idiots even when service is "normal". Are we supposed to do handstands? Fire this load of whatever, and hire some folks who understand the meaning of public service. The current "drivers" make us all sick even if they are "working".

Outraged in Ottawa
Everybody, make sure you read the post by "Guy, senior driver."

This ignorant, insolent excuse for a public servant is exactly the problem. He says "all you loud mouths" need to "keep in mind [that he] lost $10,000 in wages, so dont [sic] be smart[;] just pay the fair [sic] and have a seat." After all, he is "captain of [his] bus[;] what [he] say[s] goes, not even god can question [his] call."

To have lost $10k wages during the period of this strike so far, our dear semi-literate Guy is clearly one of those raking in $100k a year, abusing the system (do the math). I hope all readers here truly appreciate the value of Guy's service to you (his wife the teacher probably does) and why his sacrifice and difficulties greatly outweigh yours, being a driver for the past 20 years when you were just a lowly rider on his bus.

And just try to follow this so-called "argument" as to why he's not under-worked and over-paid. His wife (the teacher) must do the thinking in that family (good thing he had her salary to fall back on as she drove her SUV to work each day.

Rob-Orleans/Petawawa
Just wanted to say that as a member of the Canadian Forces I really do believe strongly in the idea of community or country first and yourself second. Teamwork towards the greater good is the only way to get things efficiently and effectively done, especially in tough economic times. I have worked for days straight, living in a tent in the field for no extra money, and have spent months in afghanstan without seeing my family and I just cannot believe the idea of one side against the other. The bus drivers, as city employees, should do everything in there power to help and benefit the residents of ottawa, even if it means they must sacrifice there time and even make less money. If I have stuff to do, and I have already been at work for 8 hours, I don't get to home at the end of my shift, and if I have to stay late I don't get paid anymore money, and I if I didn't like this, I'd quit, not try to force the organization to change. Anyone who works for the government at any level should put the needs of the citizens ahead of there own needs, period, no excuses, my friends and I do it everyday.

Rob-Orleans/Petawawa
Just wanted to say that as a member of the Canadian Forces I really do believe strongly in the idea of community or country first and yourself second. Teamwork towards the greater good is the only way to get things efficiently and effectively done, especially in tough economic times. I have worked for days straight, living in a tent in the field for no extra money, and have spent months in afghanstan without seeing my family and I just cannot believe the idea of one side against the other. The bus drivers, as city employees, should do everything in there power to help and benefit the residents of ottawa, even if it means they must sacrifice there time and even make less money. If I have stuff to do, and I have already been at work for 8 hours, I don't get to home at the end of my shift, and if I have to stay late I don't get paid anymore money, and I if I didn't like this, I'd quit, not try to force the organization to change. Anyone who works for the government at any level should put the needs of the citizens ahead of there own needs, period, no excuses, my friends and I do it everyday.

paul od
"TO THE UNEDUCATED BUS DRIVERS
We the public, the citizens of Ottawa demand: APPOLOGY RECEPT CURTESY"

Who are you calling uneducated? The quality of discourse by some of you union bashers is laughable.

Most bus drivers are skilled and dedicated public servants who objected to concessions the city was seeking that would have drastically affected their working conditions. Concessions that no other transit union in the country has agreed to. Larry and his fellow right-wing councilors should be ashamed for putting the citizens of this city through sheer misery in their misguided attempt to beat the union on this issue. All of you bus driver bashers should give your heads a shake and ask yourselves what you would do if some hapless politician badly in need of a victory--any victory ahead of his impending court case for election rigging--picked a fight with you in order to bolster his own image. This strike was about the city trying to save money on the backs of hard working, ordinary people. The city's financial problems were not created by bus drivers--hello Bombardier lawsuit--and wouldn't have been solved by gutting the principle of seniority that is at the heart of this dispute (and which operates in non-union workplaces as well).

Yes, we've all been inconvenienced by this strike. But I'm going to thank my bus driver for standing up for workers rights against a mayor who seems to not be representing anyone's interests very well at the moment.

Chris P.
Finally!!
If you did not like the timing of the strike ask Alain Mercier why they threw scheduling on the table, for the first time on Nov. 28, as a "final offer" and forced the strike vote.
If the management was surprised by our reaction, as they say, they were certainly not competent or fit to be in positions of responsibility!
Ask Mr. Mercier why there was not one significant change in 51 days.
Now! the violence begins, and no I am not talking about the frustrated, angry and distraught commuters. I am not talking about the media slander. I am talking about a General Manager, Mr. Alain Mercier who has not uttered a word of truth for 8-9 weeks. He has no respect or credibility. He has lost all trust, probably from most of the management as well as the several unions he is supposed to manage rather than ravage.
Alain Mercier was hired to reverse much of the toxicity caused by generations of poor management. He has not even had the positive effect of our last military dictatorship.

Mike-Nepean
To the bus drivers, you all deserve getting fired. By saying you are sorry for the inconvenience you have caused and looking forward to see you soon you don't deserve getting any respect. Let us see how it feels driving empty buses because Ottawans have decided to pay you back. Oh My God! does that mean your shift will end soon and you won't need to worry about scheduling? Or you won't shaft the taxpayers on overtime?
And for you Mr. O'Brian, you don't deserve calling yourself mayor. you could have ended this strike a long time ago. For your effort,I give you a fat Zero; just like your election promise "Zero means Zero"

Christina
Sidenote: The amount of poor spelling and grammar here is atrocious. So is a lot of the attitudes being expressed.

That aside, I'm very glad that the strike is coming to an end. I also hope that the union president gets canned, and that the current mayor is never re-elected, because he really is an idiot for letting this go this long.

To the bus drivers: Thank you for your services, for helping people around Ottawa. Not everyone believes you should be fired, I think you guys put up with enough irresponsible and annoying commuters regularly.

To those people threatening violence on the bus drivers: Shame on you, seriously. If your attitudes are perpetuated, I'm going to hate to see how your children and those young people around you develop as a result and the types of values they learn. Basically, violence begets violence, and you just look dumb simultaneously.

Christina
Sidenote: The amount of poor spelling and grammar here is atrocious. So is a lot of the attitudes being expressed.

That aside, I'm very glad that the strike is coming to an end. I also hope that the union president gets canned, and that the current mayor is never re-elected, because he really is an idiot for letting this go this long.

To the bus drivers: Thank you for your services, for helping people around Ottawa. Not everyone believes you should be fired, I think you guys put up with enough irresponsible and annoying commuters regularly.

To those people threatening violence on the bus drivers: Shame on you, seriously. If your attitudes are perpetuated, I'm going to hate to see how your children and those young people around you develop as a result and the types of values they learn. Basically, violence begets violence, and you just look dumb simultaneously.

Just another passenger - but hear me out first...
People,

There are a lot of very angry people out there.
The union is blaming the city and the city is blaming the striking OC staff (dispatchers, mechanics and operators).

There have been lies, and yes plently of them. I truly believe that all parties here are guilty. But what I am trying to say is in as much as you would love to speak your mind the first time you step into a bus please don't.

Doing that gets no one anywhere. It may make you feel better and it may end up causing the entire bus to get shutdown if the operator feels he/she has been threatened.

I as a passenger am just thankful they will be on the road shortly.

Let cooler heads prevail here folks. In time we will all get through this.

Thank you!

Mike
I couldn't care less if or when this bus strike ends. I would've fired every single driver after one week and rehired new drivers for all the heartache they have put everyone through. I don't depend on the bus for transportation. I have invested thousands of dollars on vehicles for my family to have transportation. Is it not a crime that i continue to get taxed for transit every year when i haven't stepped foot in a bus in over twenty years. We need to get rid of all these unions and start running things the way they should be. You want to take the bus, then pay the proper price. The city should not worry about making money on transit. It should be a non profit service to our community. What sense does it make that commuters pay half and the city puts in the other half of the money(by taxing people) to operate the system. Nobody helped me when i dished out the money i did for my vehicles. This city is run by a bunch of yahoo's. Councillors that have been there too long. We need fresh blood at City hall and a new way of getting things done so we don't face another problem like this again.

C from Ottawa East
Today, before the announcement was made about the strike being tentatively over, I was thinking that the actions of Andre C amount to public mischief and he should be dealt with accordingly. He did what he misguidedly felt was his job at the expense and misery of an entire city and held it hostage for 51 days. That is criminal. I also think that it is a sad state of affairs in our country when unions flex their muscles and bully other agencies over "respect", for lack of a more legitimate cause. Well the way to find respect from others is to EARN it and Andre C has certainly not qualified. I certainly don't respect the herd mentality of the striking OC Transpo workers who bought into the crap that he was selling and celebrated every time the talks broke down. They are selfish and very stupid. I wish I could boycott the transit system, but I don't have a car and it's twenty kilometers to school. Let's hope that when the light rail gets going that it's declared and essential service and run by a private company, and not by OC Transpo.

Earle Rheaume
For all those who were hurt financially, who suffered the pain of not being able to get to doctors appointments, surgery and other physical and mental setbacks, and those for no reasons of their own were disadvantaged because of this transit strike, I am pleased that it is over.
And while the union was seen to be the villain in this story, I believe its plan was well thought out and delivered in a strategic manner.
The mediator at $4000 per day did not earn his/her keep.
The negotiating team including the City Solicitor/ City Clerk Rick O’Connor, City Manager Kent Kirkpatrick and spokesman Mayor Larry O’Brien were totally unprepared to manage this strike prior too and during the negotiations.
In preparation for this strike, I was not privy to any City action plan that would have ensured the most vulnerable citizens were able to tend to their everyday needs. It should have included the elderly being able to purchase fruit and other groceries; the sick who were not able to get to medical and dental appointments and those low income workers who were not able to get to work.
City Council only added to the lack of common sense that was so evident throughout the last fifty days.
The strike is over but the outcome will be delivered by an arbitrator.
Have we learned anything from the heavy price including the hurt, anguish and dollars lost?
Many citizens oblivious to those who suffered dearly during the strike will continue on their merry way. Others will be bitter but will do nothing to ensure this situation never happens again. Then we have our city officials including the mayor and councillors. To be sure they will be congratulating each other on a job well done. I give them all a failing grade. How about you?
Earle Rheaume

Neanderthals rule by club!!!
Neanderthal man settled disputes between neighbours and rivals, with a heavy club over the head! He hadn't learned the skills of negotiation, with a little give and take by both sides!

This bus strike brought out the Neanderthal man, in all 'negotiating' parties!

If it weren't for U.S President Barack Obama's visit to Canada in just over 2 weeks, our Neanderthal Ottawa city and ATU representatives would still be swinging their clubs at one another...and the Federal government would be encouraging them to continue to 'bash it out'!

So, Rona Ambrose, don't try to take credit for 'stepping in and confiscating the Neanderthals' clubs' because you've just "realised that the strike has gone on too long"!

It's not the Federal government's compassion for Ottawa citizens who've struggled for 7 weeks without public tansportation, that's caused them to suddenly be prepared to step in and legislate a back-to-work ruling!

Such pitiful, and self-serving politics, from all sides!

Your actions (or lack of), will be remembered, when you're up for re-election, so don't pat yourselves on the back just yet!!!

Dean
Good on ya ATU 279. You have successfully won at making every living soul in Ottawa detest the sight of you.

However, I remember a city councillor saying that quite a few local buses (vice the main lines) will not be on the road for a few months due to maintenance and certification problems. Moreover, they will have to lay off approximately 500 bus drivers (unfortunately the ones with least senority) during the back log.

Many people have lost their jobs, homes, and education due to the greed of OC Transpo bus drivers.

Ironic how things will come full swing.

Long live the union and numpties who believe their hype.

A Citizen of Ottawa
I read all the comments so far, and I don't like the rude and threatening comments from the OC Bus drivers. Your (OC) the ones that have caused caos, by taking the city hostage for 2 months and blocked people from driving into different places over the city. Besides, all of the people having lost; time, money, work, school, appointments just to name a few, with your strike. The racket you have with the scheduling, overtime, and salary has been found out by the City of Ottawa and it's Citizens. Shame on you! You have no right to be so rude to us, and greedy with our taxes. You've been found out and deal with it. We need to back our Mayor and City Council because they want to put a stop to this whole racket. Own up to it, this was your choice to strike.

Maximum
Heh, I had to laugh when the ATU says they won, but the people of Ottawa says otherwise - they say ATU loses? I have to be honest, but I haven't followed all the news about this strike since (I'm in Calgary anyway).

However, my understanding that the word "stirke" isn't alway a good word. There's never anything wonderful in there. Sometimes it can be put to good use for postive results. Sometimes it goes for the real worse!

A Strike is a strike is a strike. That's as plain as simple - so there!

The thing is, I loathe people who prefer greed as in more money while the people with everyday needs suffers. For 51 days, wasting time between city hall and ATU 279?? Utterly crazy and stupid and I believe both parties should go back for re-educating.

Students are the future and they lost their future, bues took away the city's new future in working people.

I find that I do better with my car commute to work. I know I should help with public transportion but I don't trust union strikes popping up unknown!! Been there before done that - enough is enough!

Biggest Losers of 2009
I sure hope the ridership can show solidarity in giving all the drivers a big warm welcome on a long red carpet.... rolled up and tossed to the curb. just like they did to the citizens of Ottawa. Every ounce of respect they expected to gain; I hope they lose 10 times over. atu, a twisted undertaking, that didn't work, HAHA, back to work losers ; )

Shan
As a student, I rely upon OSAP loans and a part time job at a coffee shop for survival. Thanks to this strike, I am left in a bind. In December I was faced with the decision of either spending my grocery money on cab fare or fail a couple exams. Needless to say, thank God for 35 cent Mr. Noodles. In January, I received the second half of my loan and again, I was forced to spend a significant chunk of it on cabs to attend class. Now I have to some how get my employer to give me more hours so that I can pay rent, and maybe eat something with substance. This jeopardizes my grades, which I am reliant upon in order to get into grad school in a year. I cannot drop down to part-time studies and work more because OSAP would be harassing me, for they would claim that they gave me too much money and would demand repayment/penalties if I did this. My case parallels many!
What leaders we have...pathetic.

Greg Ottawa
Both sides need to learn something from this. For the ATU, they need to realise that how you say something is just as important as what you say. After the disrespect Mr. Cornellier showed the public in the first few days of this strike, is it any wonder most people could care less what drivers have to say? We deserve better.
As for City Council, what they need to learn is that they don't deserve to run OC Transpo anymore. OC Transpo needs to be run by people who use transit, and understand it. Few people on City Council use the service, so why should they be allowed to run it? A separate Transit Commission needs to be established.

Personally, I am glad the strike is over, and will not insult, abuse or disrespect the drivers. But I will be disappointed if I don't hear the words "I'm sorry" from everyone involved in the strike, from managers to drivers, from the Mayor to the Councillors. It's the very least we deserve.

J. Martin in Ottawa
Thank goodness!!! It sure is encouraging to see a light at the end of the long dark tunnel of the last 51 days....

It's encouraging to have HOPE!

NDP party, after 29 years of my dedicated support to your party, you have NO HOPE of ever getting another vote from me. I was under the impression that your party supported the working poor, social assistance recipients, the elderly, students, etc... What happened to you?????? If you really do support the people then start showing it. Make sure steps are taken so this never happens again.

Larry, well you never did have my vote and you never will, you can only hope...because now everyone has had a taste of what Larry represents....and they don't like you.

ATU Times are changing and what worked years ago is not working now. Reorganize, let the bosses set the hours and make all the part timers full timers. Is this so simple that it might work? I don't know, but I do know that I don't want someone who has been on a 10 hour shift driving me around. It can't be safe!!! We the people, can only hope you take this issue seriously.

OC DRIVERS I've got mixed feelings when it comes to you. Unless you make informed decisions when casting your votes for YOUR union representation, no one will ever take you seriously.

Lastly, I hope everyone has learned from this. Please, don't let this continue nor happen again.

Amen........................

Pauly in Barrhaven
OK when it's over....here's your chance Ottawa John/Jane Q Public.....

Push for "essential Service for OC Transpo...and kill the exemptions for OC T"

VOTE in the next municipal election and frag all the knuckle dragging idiots who made us suffer.

Next time you board a bus, ask the driver how long he has been employed with OC T. If over 10 years, give him the Trudeau "fickle finger of fate"

Next, right John Baird and ask him hmmmm...How's Larry O' doing, have a nice dinner with him last night.

Suggest eye-candy Rona resign and become a contributing editor to Cosmo magazine....she IS qualified for this, not much else.

Get on with life....

OC Mechanic
Mechanics and drivers should not be in the same union. 51 days on strike so the drivers can have their scheduling?! The mechanics have no voice because they are outnumbered by approx 10 to 1.

glenn
strikes over but how did 1 or 2 issues with scheduling turn into a disagreement on 25 issues. 25 new issues you can't agree on. Thanks union and mayor for giving us all the details at the start of this process in Dec. you should all be fired.

Elaine (Ottawa)
I'm glad that the federial governmnet were going to force back to work legislation. This should have happened from the beginning. People have gone over 51 days without these buses with a lot of heart ache. I hope that a law will be passed that the bus drivers will never be able to strike again to keep our people hostage.

chris
From a driver

To the public if you want respect buy a dog

ATU has won

Angela
The city should of fired them all and started a new company. I'm sure if the people who pays for this service "tax payers" had a vote, we would have a new company or at least had the mangers on the buses.

Suzie in Ottawa
To those who keep repeating that this strike was "legal". Sure, but was it ethical??

Plex in Ottawa
To Guy, The Overpaid, Mouth-breathing Troglodyte who "operates" a bus for OC Transpo:

You are a disgrace, a scammer and a thief. I hope you are among those laid off, so you can feel a bit of what I went through during this strike. Thanks to you and your idiot brethren I lost my job. Luckily, I found employment that was closer to home. I sincerely hope you are not so lucky.

Alni from Ottawa
Kim wrote:
>> "The Bloc Quebecois and the NDP said Wednesday they will not support back-to-work legislation"

Please do not vote for those who do not ride the buses. They do not know the hardship that we're in.

Glenn wrote:
Its about time.
There should be no issue but to vote yes.
The NDP are not supporting it, therefore the city of Ottawa residences should contract Mr. Dewar(MP-NDP for Ottawa)and tell him to vote yes.

====================

Did you guys read the article?

""Both sides lost perspective," said McGuinty, a Liberal whose party, along with the NDP, supported the back-to-work legislation."

And I'm assuming the Bloc would have had to agree, too, if they were prepared to pass legislation quickly, but I'm not sure. They didn't even get to the emergency debate last night before they agreed to arbitration.

Hopefully the arbitrator will find a good middle for the differences. I don't think the city will get their cost limit, though.

Judy DiMillo
So how much overtime will all these guys collect to get the buses on the road next week, and how many will work "Overtime" during winterlude?

Suzie in Ottawa
Hey ATU279, get this: even the local NDP was willing to support back to work legislation against you by the Feds!!!!! What does this say about your strike? Think about it.

Sam - Ottawa
Manic Mechanic

Are you President of ATU Local 279?

Can't believe people actually support the drivers
I guess in order to pay for their 51 day's off and the agreement they will reach of 9.25% over 3 years is that bus fares will be increased....perfect timing...economic downturn or did all the drivers not take simple math or economics in highschool...

D is westborough
I'm just going to show them the December bus pass, for the next 20 days after the buses run..and they better keep their mouth shut, or else

....I don't even want to a get a receipt for it, I'll just show it to them as a symbol of "you bastards you ripped me off"

b from Ottawa ( non bus user)
you'll all to forgive the ATU 279 members as they are unable to think for themselves and therefore MUST be part of the herd of sheep. Stupid people follow stupidly. That's evident from their comments.

nowinners
Atu Members
Can you please tell us how you won.Keep in mind this is what the city wanted all along.Yet the atu wanted conditions.

Steve
To all the knuckle dragging individuals here. You should apply at OC Transpo....You seem to have the perfect mentality for a bus driver.

No facts, hot headed, rude, etc...Yes you are a perfect fit...pathetic!

Message to Chris
Won?! You guys lost your shirts! You guys are delivering pizzas and maxing out your credit cards and Dumber picks up Dumb at city hall in a limousine? "Dumb and Dumber 2" - what a scene. Shows the mentality of you guys and your leadership. DUH!

Paul
Did you see the ATU members pick Andre up in a limousine last night? What a bunch of tactless, mindless fools!

FC OTTAWA
Ok the strike is over. Will they reveal what they settle for. They damm well better. NOW its time get rid of O'Brien and his bunch of crownies, and Corneillier and his bunch of idiots.

Another thing I want my TRANSIT TAXES BACK O'BRIEN.

Get this on CTV they said congrats to O'Brien for WHAT ??? Just to make him look good so he can take the credit. Credit for what he did nothing.

O'Brien has lost my respect let alone my vote. Come on elections.

You drivers clean up your attitudes and the way you drive ei signal in and out of your stops your lane changes. Sigal lights are not an option. USE THEM. One wrong move I'll report you. No free-bees this time.

Manic Mechanis GET A LIFE

Transit Strike Retribution Policy
Hope you are bestowed an Arbitrator with qualified experience !

He must also be "Neutral" and not an Ex-Union person !

I would suggest that you make amends to the Citizens of Ottawa, by inserting in local newspapers, sizeable advertisements on City Of Ottawa
instituting a Fair Refund Policy, or even to the Eco-Pass and Monthly Pass
Subscribers, at least 2 months of FREE SERVICE!

Also, to anyone boarding any bus who is an noccasional rider, 1 month of FREE SERVICE !!

I was recently by e-mail offered 1 month, and feel this is an insult ,since by the time your fleet is on the road , at least 60 days will have gone by the wayside!!

Sincerely yours,

Robert Cyr


_________________________________________________

Joe Rider
So it took no less than a Barrack to end the misery of the ottawa bus rider. Do we really need a City council then ? Maybe he can send Hilary here on a weekly basis to check in on the prima donnas who supposedly run this city.

Jenna
"V in E
"giving hope to many Ottawa residents who have been stranded in their homes and forced to walk for hours to get to work, school and other appointments."

I have two words for these people: 'carpool' and 'taxi'. If you can't adapt, please don't procreate"

WOW. The level of ignorance in this post demands my attention.

Taxis? What makes you think everyone can afford a taxi to work every day? It would cost me between 60-80 dollars a day to do this.

Carpools are not always possible. I WAS part of one (I had to search on the internet for a long time and contact many people) but then his car broke down.

I can't carpool with any people at my work because it is a group home and I am the only other staff besides my boss.

I can't believe how ignorant you are..

Dom
The ATU and City both lost...no matter how many times each side repeats that they won. They each had a position and demands, neither will get their way.

Arbitration is a tie...at best.

In the end the ATU members lost almost 2 months salary, and there will definitely be layoffs while ridership is lower for a few months. Tell the junior members that get laid off in a few weeks that they won.

Some of the city councillors will not be re-elected over this and Larry OBrien will become the most unpopular mayor ever, if he isn't already there.

I fail to see how either side won...if anything the only winners are the mechanics, they lost salary but will get it back and more in overtime pay working around the clock to get the buses back on the road.

Proventus
And the other shoe drops in the bucket I suspected was there.

Let me get this straight...
The bus drivers go on strike, that they send the mechanics home??? Didn't they know that safety certificates were coming due and that they had to keep them up?? YES THEY DID. But that really was part of the plans. Yup.. Plural. PLANS.

The Union and O'Brian are in cahoots. They had plans. With the drivers not working, the city saved huge amount of money because it looks like they sent everyone home. I haven't seen a figure but I'm sure the saving in wages alone is in the 10s of millions. The Union wins because they get to raise their union dues (hey... you claim strike pay? That means your dues go up).

We... the people and drivers alike were pawns in this game.

D. Dubroy
Dear K.Lowe

Are you serious! The city offered the union numerous different deals in exchange for drivers scheduling. That is what you do in negotitaion. If you want something you offer something else in return. What did the Union offer? NOTHING? They were scared that the Feds may put in the back to work legislation conditions on the settelment so they ran to the city with their seniority between their legs to get a deal. And to the driver in the article that said "I have been talking for 51 days and still no one understands". Maybe that is an indication that the majority of people feel your being greddy at a time when people are losing their jobs. I agree no one want to work 14 hours a day or have a 14 hour spread. But guess what if you work at OC Transpo they have split shifts. If you dont want to work there quit. Or elase maybe the city should make all the driver part time then you would only get 3 to 4 hours a day. Be thankfull for what you have cause you have more than most. Maybe if your hurting for money you should ask your union leaders to stop taking limo's to meetings and give you some of that money.

Benny - Ottawa
MENTALITY
Each striking driver and mechanic lost $10 000+ because of the strike. Some are delivering pizzas and dealing with creditors. Some lost their cars and homes and some mindless ATU dopes had the audacity to pick Andre up in a limousine to "celebrate"? To the ATU members who arranged for the limo - "What are you thinking with other than your brains?"

Sharon
Wow! Did the ATU ever get creamed! They'll think twice in future. Andre, you're an idiot!

To Manic Mechanic
Hey Manic, with your mentality, you could take Andre's spot. ATU won??!! Won what?

See You on the road.
This for you Randy go back to school and learn to spell, you don't bake money you make money, AND BY THE WAY WE WILL MAKE LOTS. Thank you ottawa we love you.

Rick
To Guy senior driver, so if I hear this right you lost $10.000 of wages, then calculating 51 days in 365 day,s a year thats at least 7 X 10.000 wich equals 70.000, wow were can I sign up. Oh by the way youre wife is a teacher, beleive me with your and her salary, I would,nt worry about money.

LAC
ATU you caved...you lost in so many ways. When you were about to be forced you accepted with your tails between your legs. You had little respect to begin with as the majority of you drivers are rude, pathetic and bitter people. Now you have zero respect. Talk tough all you want, close your bus doors on people running for a bus, be rude, we don't care. We managed without you. Just know how we truly feel about you. Enjoy getting back to work bums!

Steve in Ottawa
Instead of picking Andre up in a limousine, ATU 279 should have bought him his two favourite movies, "Dumb and Dumber" and "Titanic". To the ATU members you claim they "won", think about your bank accounts, those whose credit cards are maxed, those members delivering pizza, and those who are losing their vehicles and homes. After the Feds threatened legislation, it took you idiots less than an hour to run to Larry and ask for arbitration (something you rejected weeks ago). Yeh, you "won" alright!

Marie O'Reilly
I am appalled that a compromise wasn't found to the strike. This contract was due last April and management let it go this far. I believe the city wanted it to last and save money. Giving tax breaks only help owners and many transit users do not pay taxes. They are the ones who have lost in the strike . I believe that oc transpo management must be hard to deal with and things must improve or this with happen again in 18 months.

Lawrence
ATU won? Some of you guys and gals need help.

Michael
Message to Guy, Senior Driver:

It's the drivers like you that give others a bad name. What kind of a 'Holier than thou' attitude is that? Unless of course, your posting was a joke...if so, then thanks, I needed a good laugh today (but you did seem pretty serious)

We'll be sure to bask in the glow of your awesomeness when we are privileged enough to sit our worthless butts in your elongated shrine. It's overwhelming how we can hang on to every godlike (Oh right, he doesn't even count)...you're actually above him.

You should be on one knee welcoming all the passengers into the 'City of Ottawa' bus which the city have allowed you to commandeer for the public.

Make no mistake...Many passengers would love to meet you, and share some of their thoughts, but that pedestal you place yourself on is pretty high up...I think judging by your arrogance, and big mouth...you're not worth the effort.

Jen
Congratulations, Larry! It only took ATU only an hour to come crawling after the feds threatened to legislate them back to work. Well done!!

M
To - Guy, Senior Driver

I love how OCTranspo.com has a "contact us" area to let them know about your complaints. Therefore I have copied your rant into the email I just sent them. You are threatening the riders before the buses are even back on the road with your "Captain of my Bus" garbage. Therefore I thought it appropriate to notify OC of this.
Thank you for making it so easy to send in my complaint by posting this to a public forum.

Transit Law Enforcement Officer
Please people, act properly when getting on the bus because, NO DRIVERS will tolerate, fingers, swear words or arguments that will take their attention of the road. I am a Transit Law Enforcement Officer at OC Transpo and you will be fined and, YES, the driver will stop his or her bus waiting for us. The choice is yours.

Norman
Too bad the ATU279 members who were out delivering pizzas missed Andre's limousine ride last night. (Not smart! Not smart!)

peggy
To NO UNION FOR ME: While both sides did not act very professionally in the OC dispute, I, at the same time, cannot understand why people are so opposed to unions. Unions do obtain wage increases and other benefits that employees otherwise would not get. I know what it's like not to have a union; you have virtually no rights at all as an employee. Just because you might be a good employee, it doesn't mean that you will keep your job; if somebody doesn't like you, you're out!!!

Kim Carson
Kudos to ctvnews.com. Your comments section was a BIG factor for ending this strike.

Jacques
Did you watch the announcement? I truly wonder why the busdrivers all cheered when the final agreement was reached for binding arbitration. Do they expect to get their way after all?

keep it cming
Just keep on spouting off people. Why not stand over those who are in control of the 6 tonne vehicle with YOU on it and people walking in front of it and yell and distract them. Or be sure to physically harm the drivers CUZ isn't that what YOU ALL WANT?? Keep calling for their heads, goodness knows you want them. Seriously the people of this city make me ill. To those of you who are showing restraint I applaud you and hope you are the ones on my bus so I don't have to interrupt service even longer. BTW the loss of $10000 was probably due to dipping into savings not just loss of wages. I know, its hard for the average Ottawan to actually think without the Mayor or the media telling them how to do it. And we pay taxes just like you all do and for a lot of you WE pay for YOUR welfare!

LW
OK , the strike is near end, let's all get on with our lives that we have lost so much of because of this damned thing; Posting and trying to figure out the how's and why's of the issue is useless, what is done is DONE, is anybody out there not happy to resume their routines previous to this?
I am so sick of the goings on about it
JUST GET ON WITH IT!

City lost this one
The ATU has largely won. The arbitration will rule in favour of the union financially, will rule somewhere in the middle on benefits, and will 'avoid' the scheduling issue by inisting on a mediator. Posters here that are too dim to figure it out can be relied on to cheer madly for zerO'Brien, as if he did anything but slow down the process, but anyone who bothers to read the positions put forth, sticks around to read the final chapter (due out sometime in the next six months) will learn that the city went through 50 days of brutal hardship, finacial loss and acrimonious behaviour, to gain nothing at all.

J. Durocher
Shouldn't this been done a long time ago. They knew they couldn't agree way before this. It was only done because the government stepped in to do what they should have.

Neither the City or the Ubion are winners. The users of this service are the losers.

cconnie2008
Do not fear, OC drivers, that you'll be physically attacked the riders while you work. That's not how this is going to work. I don't think the average Joe driver really wanted to be in the cold freezing their behinds and losing thousands of dollars in wages, no. It's their leaders who told them, "keep going! we're going to win!" In the long run, just like many other strikes, your leadership has sold you out in order to protect themselves. Furthermore, every one of those leaders should expect a class action suit from all the citizens who have lost wages, their jobs, their mental and physical health, and some people even their lives. It won't take long when lawyers will be posting messages offering their services, and guess what, OC drivers? There'll be long lines of waiting customers in those offices! I'm betting even one or two drivers could join the line, because like everyone else, you guys have lost more than you have gained, it's just you don't know that yet. And one more thing, does paying union dues is really worth your while anymore? You might need that extra money now more than ever to recover from the mess this strike has left behind!

J. Durocher
I also forgot the businesses and people of Ottawa who lost money or their jobs and the revenues created by businesses.

One should also include injuries and damage to vehicle because of so many people having to use the automobile for transportation in the middle of winter.

Joanne Phillips
If the city has saved so much money during this strike, it should pass this on to the long-suffering citizens and give them free transit for at least a month.