LTC delays not a big deal … yet

With the London Transit Commission worker’s contract coming under negotiations this week, drivers are refusing to work any voluntary overtime despite the tens of thousands of post-secondary students set to resume classes. As a result, fewer busses will be servicing the overflow of the city’s busiest stops, forcing many students travelling to and from campus to seek other modes of transportation.
Threats of disrupted service are nothing new from the LTC and it’s no coincidence they arise around the time students are about to return to class — and for many, riding the bus.
Because full-time Western students all pay the mandatory $137.18 to have the eight-month bus pass, the LTC can use the high volume of student riders as leverage to ensure the City meets their demands.
Many feel the larger undergraduate population and its significant ridership should make students larger stakeholders for the LTC; however, students are still being used as bargaining chips to ensure the union receives a favourable agreement.
Although the students are the ones who unfairly suffer from the over-crowded or delayed buses, disruptions the first week of school are hardly cause for concern.
When the OC Transpo decided to strike last year in Ottawa, thousands of students were stranded during winter exams — when students need public transportation the most.
But as most students know, the first week is full of nothing more than polite introductions and the handing out of the syllabus. Many choose not to attend anyway and a disrupted LTC only gives students a legitimate excuse to miss class.
Furthermore, many forgo taking the bus the first few weeks to walk or bike in the nice weather, making the LTC’s threats even less worrisome this time of year.
However, many in the area are still experiencing the tough realities of the recession. London’s unemployment currently sits at around 11 per cent and with the local economy not looking up, now is not the time to be asking for a lot.
Furthermore, it is up to the City to ensure contracts are negotiated fairly, yet swiftly to avoid any disagreements turning into a full strike. Though the the demands may be high, the drivers deserve more than what London has offered: a 0.4 per cent increase and a pair of winter boots.
But until a contract that agrees with both sides can be met, the slight disruptions in the LTC’s service will likely be brushed off this time of year. However, for those inclined to complain no matter how minor the inconvenience, hope these negotiations are finished before the cold weather comes in and the school work piles up.
For more information on the LTC’s contract negotiations see Page 1.