I haven’t written in awhile and I must apologize. January has been busy! I started a new job this month and have been focusing most of my attention on learning the ropes. And with the transit strike now on day 44, I’m just too tired by the time I get home to get online in the evenings to write.

But I digress…

Like many of you I’m a bit put out by this transit strike. The way this whole negotiation process, or lack thereof, has been handled between the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)  Local 279 and the City of Ottawa. And I’m one of the fortunate ones! I at least have a way to get to and from work, to get my groceries, etc.

What I don’t understand is how the City can say not enough of a safety issue has been caused for Labour Minister Rona Ambrose to declare transit an essential service in Ottawa. I guess they need actual safety issues to occur in order to change their minds? (Interestingly enough, most bus drivers want transit declared an essential service. huh.)

What I do know is that it is unfair of the City to promote and persuade citizens to use the transit system in lieu of driving a car and then let this strike go on for 44 days. Now I know, it’s not just the City at fault. There are two parties at play here. So both sides need to think about the citizens in Ottawa who absolutely rely on the transit system for their livelihood. To get to work. To buy groceries. To drop their children off at daycare or school. To get to doctor’s appointments. And so on.

You can’t offer something, make people rely on it and then take it away. It’s just not a sound business practice.

You can voice your opinion by signing the petition started by Ecology Ottawa to declare transit an essential service in Ottawa. Visit http://www.ecologyottawa.ca/take-action/sign-on/

And for a laugh, because we all need one, check out this sign outside the window of Wilde’s on Bank Street. Priceless.