LTC drivers don't deserve my TLC

Dear blog,

For three days now I have had to deal with the lack of public transportation in this city. I originally felt compassionate towards the LTC drivers when I heard their complaints but now am feeling resentment. I can't believe I am actually saying I miss the bus. I have had a hatred of those vehicles since I can remember. Nothing starts off the school day better than being stuck in a cramped bus full of crying babies, people who have an aversion to showering, a digruntled driver who looks like he/she hates their job), teenage tramps babbling on the phone about their 16-year old friend that just got pregnant and of course the token drunk guy murmuring about macaroni and giving out creepy looks. And that's only the first bus. Then I get to deal with the ensuing orgy that occurs when the students get on. I don't mind getting up close and personal with people but at least buy me a drink first.

But this is not the purpose of this rant. Even though the thought of taking the bus brings bile to my mouth, I know its my only option and I rely on it. For someone who lives where I do (where my neighbours consist of cows and coyotes), the LTC is my only way around. Now that the drivers are on strike, I have a day-to-day production of trying to arrange rides and often have no idea how I will get around to do the daily tasks and errands I need to do. I'm feeling that these drivers are being quite selfish and that their actions are not only inappropriate at this time but also unrealistic. Am i being unreasonable blog? Is it wrong to say that bus drivers shouldn't be allowed to go on strike? I don't think so.

From what I have read and heard, bus drivers are asking for anywhere up to an 11-20% increase in pay/benefits. Am i the only one who feels that this is a tad exorbitant? First of all, you drive a bus for a living. I appreciate you doing it but at the same time your job consists of pushing a pedal and opening a door. Do you really expect to be making top bucks? I think its common sense that if you decide to enter a career in public transportation its not going to be a glamorous endeavour. I know people with jobs that require a lot more skill and education who are unable to get raises so why should you? My biggest problem is that timing of this strike. Our economy right now is crappier than an episode of the Hills and that's saying a lot. Unemployment is on the rise in London. People are dying just to GET a job and here we have people who HAVE jobs complaining that they don't make enough. I just can't feel sorry for you. Try losing your job and having to provide for your family and maybe I will care.

Also, the issue of benefits has also been introduced. I admit that I don't know anything about the benefits they get but one of the problems i've heard is the lack of a lunch break. Are you serious? How many times has my bus driver stopped for a 5-10 minute smoke break or Timmies run? At least four times in one route. That brings your break anywhere from 20 - 40 minutes. Last time I checked that was a lunch break. How about the time when my bus driver stopped at a car dealership to look at a car he was interested in purchasing? Or the time when the driver stopped at the library to take out books? Are you considering that part of a day's work? Are you!?

Yesterday the president of the union was on the radio. Apart from sounding like a complete douche, his comments were downright confusing. When asked what they were looking for, he gave an obscure number of the increase the drivers' wanted. When asked to clarify exactly what they were offering, he avoided the question. When he was asked what the LTC needed to do to mend the broken ties, he said it was up to them. It seems terribly unorganized and I dont see any resolution if they don't even know what the hell they want.

My last issue of disgust is the fact that they are considering picketing at Western because the University set up a van shuttle system. First of all, kudos to UWO. Students need to get to school. Why? So we dont have to become bus drivers (sorry if that's a low blow but I don't care). Not only do we need to get to class but we need to get there safely. The idea of students walking home after a night class does not sit well with me. UWO is not affiliated with the LTC, it can do whatever it wants. If you expect me to stay home in order to honor your strike than you think we have a better relationship than we actually do. Striking at our school is not going to help your damaged public image. Plus, what have we ever done to you??

This strike is not going to benefit anyone. If bus drivers end up getting what they ask for, no doubt the LTC will compensate by raising the bus fare which punishes us passengers who have nothing to do with this disagreement. Call me an ass but I dont like the idea of paying more for the bus because someone who failed to do something productive with their life is whining that he/she isn't getting paid enough during a time of economic disaster.

Am I the only one that feels this way blog?