OC Transpo workers speak out

By Nicolina Leone

leon0080@algonquincollege.com

OC Transpo workers picketing at 100 Constellation Dr. say they sympathize with those affected and are ready to go back to work.

OC worker Jim Gibbs, among other strikers interviewed on Jan. 15, said he wants transit to be an essential service.

“A-Channel News took a poll to make buses an essential service, 83 per cent voted yes,” he said.

“Larry O’Brien is holding us hostage,” said Gibbs. “We’re ready to go back to work.”

Another striking driver was also frustrated.

“Larry O’Bribin’ wants to take out the union,” said Hugh Thayer, elected union member.

Andre Cornellier, transit union president, giving a motivational speech to the picketers on Jan. 20 said that his lawyer is telling them they are doing the right thing.  Now they just have to stick together, it isn’t about scheduling anymore.  “The city wants to break our resolve.  We’re not losing.”

The issue of scheduling was originally brought to the city’s attention in March according to one of the picketers interviewed on Jan. 15.  It was the city that waited until Nov. 24 to take action.

“The city puts up the hours and routes, not us,” said Gibbs, “then they are chosen by seniority.  We don’t control scheduling.”

As it was a pick-and-choose sort of method, those who wanted the longer shifts could work overtime.  If the city’s method is put in effect, drivers who do not want the overtime shifts could be assigned to them and those who do want them would have no say.

Jen Laird, another OC picketer, feels bad for those who are put out by the strike.  She volunteers to drive seniors to doctor appointments and at a food bank delivering to those who can’t get there because of the bus strike. She also drives a man to AA meetings.  He told her he wouldn’t have made it if couldn’t get to his meetings.

“It isn’t just me, a lot of drivers volunteer,” she said.

Although sorry for the trouble the strike has caused, Laird said, “I have to do what’s right by me.”

 When asked about the students, she said, “Personally, I don’t feel we should be blocking the students.”
As long as the shuttles don’t become “scabbers”, people paid to do the job of the OC drivers, there won’t be an issue.

 “We sympathize with the students.  We don’t have a problem with shuttles as long as city is not paying them,” said Doug Broder, another picketer.

On Jan. 20, Cornellier said, “The union is in support of the shuttles.  We have children that go to college and university.”