unions

Bryan Curtiss, Writer

At 3:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Savings Time yesterday, bus operators and maintenance workers for the Central Ohio Transit Authority, represented by Transport Workers Union Local # 208 walked off the job, creating the first work stoppage for COTA in 25 years.

For the first time ever, there will be no public transportation service to the Red, White, and Boom fireworks due to this work stoppage.

According to COTA President and CEO Curtis Stitt, COTA negotiated in "good faith" with the Union, but the Union rejected two contract proposals, including one tonight.

When the latest contract proposal was rejected tonight, I was hoping that there would be a definitive answer into why the strike is continuing onward. However, Transport Workers Union Local # 208 President Andrew Jordan did not go into specific details on the 11:00 News tonight.

This is going to be a long and hot summer for COTA riders trying to get around. While some riders are able to get around fine, many riders are disabled and unable to drive.

COTA bus operators on Facebook and on the local Columbus website Columbus Underground voiced their concerns regarding safety and the working conditions on the buses.

In Monday's Columbus Dispatch, Mayor Michael B. Coleman was quoted as saying the strike is "irresponsible" on the Union's part. Mayor Coleman is right. The strike by COTA is irresponsible, at a time where the city has seen its hottest temperature in 13 years this past week, at a time where the heat index is in the triple digits, and at a time where the economy is still recovering from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.