So the Amalgamated Transit Union, who collects dues diligently from all of its employees yet doesn't pay taxes and doesn't have the customer's best interests in mind, is threatening a strike. They think holding 100,000 people in this city - who have no alternative - hostage, is the best way to get what they want?

The union's big mouthed "leader" thinks all the citizens of the city should call city employees and "give them hell" so that their selfish demands are met, and they can screw all of us tax payers just a little more than they already do, every day. Can I take that as an invite to their next negotiation meeting? If I am being used as a pawn, I expect representation at the bargaining table. Otherwise I am firmly in the camp that is blaming the union.

Bus drivers’ working conditions may not be top notch, but isn't it incumbent on prospective employees to educate themselves on working conditions before they accept a job opportunity? How is this my problem? Is that what bus drivers pay the union for - to think for them? I submit neither of them is doing a very good job on that one. If they go on strike, they will only be shooting themselves in the foot. Though transit may be a last resort for many people who have no choice, many people take transit because they are environmentally astute too, but if given an ultimatum would take their car in a heartbeat.

Metro Transit will be firing drivers left right and center because the demand will plummet, like it did after the last strike. Those that have the luxury to find alternative arrangements, will. Those without alternative arrangements will suffer greatly because the uneducated bus drivers that get paid as much as nurses still don't get enough "respect".

I'll show you some respect, It's on the bottom of my boot. Come closer, I’ll show you. I hope the city feels the same way. I expect nothing less than a private transit force from city hall if Metro Transit goes on strike. Fire them all, fire the management too for that matter, I know that they too are incompetent. Make it a essential service, contract out all the workers, fire the management at Metro Transit, start from scratch. I've had enough! —Dartmouthy