[Amanda_1981]

Yesterday was the first day of a massive bus strike here in London, Ontario. They went on strike because they want a 20% increase in pay and the same benefits as other city workers. As someone who doesn't have a car (because of my seizures, I can't drive and I"m on a disability pension so I wouldn't be able to afford a car even if I could drive)... I am now stuck having to walk everywhere. It wouldn't be so bad for me if all my doctors and my volunteer position wasn't a 4+ hour walk. And the weather is now getting very cold as winter is approaching. I have no idea how I will get to my volunteer position next saturday because it is too far to walk and I can't afford a cab. I know several people who have already lost their jobs because they also can't afford a cab and their job is too far to walk.

The bus drivers current start wage is $22/hr. They are striking because they want the starting wage to be $26/hr and have paid sick days and more. They were offered $25/hr and they turned it down. I just feel so bad for all those who are now screwed to get to work and for the university and college students who pay a mandatory fee in their tuition for a year round bus pass who now can't get to class.

Here's a link with the current update of the situation... I am just so upset over the whole thing and hope it doesn't last too long but things are not looking so good.

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2...70611-sun.html

[Junerain]

Sounds difficult, just wanted to let you know my heart goes out to you.................................................

[Amanda_1981]

Thanks June! I appreciate it I was supposed to start a new job soon but I won't be able to take the job if the busses are still on strike (which looks like they will be for awhile).. unless I walk 4 or 5 hours to work and another 4 or 5 hours back home after. I was depending on a job right now to save up for school for Sept... and now I won't be able to until the strike is over... I just hope it doesn't last for a very long time because it's really affecting so many people here who depend on the bus to get to work and other important places.

[Rmdctc]

I hope it ends soon for you and everyone else. Good luck!

[VickiesPath]

What a terrible, unfortunate situation. People just don't think sometimes. I doubt that the bus drivers truly thought through their decision to strike.

As an aside, when I read your thread title, I went "oh, NO!!!" as we are flying to London, ENGLAND this weekend and we will rely on the buses to get us to the trains from our hotel. I didn't know there was a London Ontario. DUH!