To all you AC Transit bus drivers who are on a "sickout":

Have you considered the consequences of your actions?  

Where is your compassion?
 
I was on the bus the other day and the bus driver decided not to stop at a regular stop.  One not affected by the recent changes in schedule.  He then stopped about 5 blocks away from the stop where he should have even though it was requested by the several elderly people on the bus. When they asked him what they were supposed to do now because they can hardly walk as it is he told them to get off the bus and walk. He just didn't care since he wasn't getting his concessions from the union negotiations. (Yes, I heard him on the phone while he was chatting - not hands free -  while driving).

Do you have any sense of neighborly love?

Since you have decided to have your "sickout" over a few extra dollars and benefits many people have lost their jobs because of the resulted delays and cancellations of service.  Many elderly people have had to cancel appointments to their Dr's and have suffered tremendously over your actions.  

Where is your self respect?

At the end of the day when you go home and reflect on your day and what you have accomplished consider this:
Today you stood up for yourself and showed the MAN what you could do to hurt him if he doesn't give you what you want, sure...You sat on the floor kicking and screaming, refusing to move like a two year old throwing a tantrum with your fingers in your ears so you can't hear what the rest of your community is trying to tell you.

YOU have let US down.  We needed you and you abandoned us in our time of need. All we asked is that you stick it out while the negotiations continued.  If this is a job you truly love then you would have felt the sense of pride in offering a vital service to your community.  If you really didn't like your job all that much you should have quit a long time ago.  Don't make us suffer because you need a few extra dollars.  Find a better job, one in which other's lives are not going to be affected in such vital areas because you decided to strike.

I completely understand the need for fairness in the workplace and the desire for a better life.  I understand that if you don't fight for what you need in life that others will take advantage of you. I get it.  Just don't make us suffer so you can get what you want.  That is a little selfish, don't you think?

Now, I am walking out to the the bus stop.  Praying to the bus gods that I get to my destination on time.  Don't let me down bus driver.

~AMJ~