Barring an unprecedented change in negotiations, today will mark the third day of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 741 strike. Yesterday saw comments made by the union that Western’s attempts to set up a shuttle bus service constitutes a strike-breaking move: a charge that may result in the union picketing campus.
It is with great speculation we examine the charge made by the ATU Local 741 that Western’s shuttle service somehow constitutes strike-breaking.
While the shuttle service will certainly make life easier for Western’s many students who live far away from campus, it is hard to understand how the operation will provide the same level of service as the London Transit Commission.
Face it: students need to get to class — especially when professors seem to be unwilling to provide academic accommodation. In such a situation it would behoove members of the ATU Local 741 to recognize the administration will do what it can to get students on campus.

Beyond the academic issue is the fact shuttle services can provide a safer way home. As horrible a scenario as it may be, the sheer number of students leaving campus after night class creates a dangerous situation. It is irresponsible to speak out against a service that may minimize these risks.
The whole situation surrounding the shuttle service does make one question just what the union aims to accomplish. One would assume the union hopes to rally public support around its cause; but going against a measure that would assist students in getting to class is not exactly the best way to win student support.
Perhaps transit workers hope personal interaction on picket lines will allow for a face-to-face chance to explain their side to students. A good idea to be sure: nobody ever cited Western students as being the most informed group of people. However, other problems would be created, with a primary one being congestion problems — the Richmond Gates are already a nightmare to navigate at the best of times.
It is unlikely Western students will appreciate being used as bargaining chips in this dispute. This could have further ramifications, especially if the strike results in a need for higher fares for the LTC, necessitating another University Students’ Council referendum on increasing fees.
Beyond students, the union should recognize Londoners’ grievances with the strike. London has a skyrocketing unemployment rate, which will only make the union’s attempt to garner sympathy all the more difficult.
Worse still, students have shown a propensity to complain about the strike already. When further inconveniences are thrown their way it is unlikely the student community will be entirely sympathetic. The union should be mindful of this when they vote on whether a picket line will materialize later this week.