London is on the verge of its second union strike tonight. The first and on-going is at Fanshawe College and the up-coming is at the University of Western Ontario. Right or wrong union strikes very often make me side with the organization. I truly disagree with strikes. In history unions had their purpose; I'm not sure they serve the greater good any more. No matter what the issues at Fanshawe is it really making a difference to the administration that is not bending to the union antics? Or is the strike affecting the new and returning students trying to adjust to a new school year? As I drive down Cheapside each morning to work and pass the entrance to Fanshawe, I pass the picketers holding up the cars trying to get into the college. I find myself angered, annoyed and really not caring about the issues and wanting to yell out my window to go back to work.
According to the local news the issues are job security, wages among others. Guess what? No one has job security. No one has guaranteed wages or the increase they think they deserve. Do you think my private industry company would think twice about letting me go if I wasn't doing my job or performing well? In this economy there are thousands on thousands of people who would kill for a job never mind fighting for more. And from what I understand, Fanshawe treats their employees well. Granted, I don't know what that compensation package is, and I'm sure there are issues that deserve to be discussed and worked out; but, I truly do not agree with banding together under the protection of a union to bully the organization into giving. Give the jobs to people who will appreciate the work.
Back to work people. Back to work.
