A few thoughts for the day

First, as I said on @Lagerheads today. I have heard tons of rumors about when this is going to be over. I'd like to point out that the people on the line have no way of knowing when it will be over. No one on the line can simply say 'today it's over' so, if that is the source of a rumor, it's not true. Lower level managers, inside the building(s) have no more control over it than you or I do, so if that is the source of your rumor, it's wrong. Upper management and the CMG and their various negotiating teams are negotiating, they can't control how the other side negotiates and so - they can't really say on what day the negotiations will be over, so if that's the source of your rumor, it's wrong. I suppose it's possible that CMG or Management have a date by which it 'must be over' but I doubt it, I think they are waiting to see how things go - in negotiations and outside and whatever they come up with still has to be ratified by the membership (that's us.) so if that's the source of your rumor it's wrong. No one, and I mean no one, knows when this will all end. Everyone can guess, but their guess is likely no better than yours or mine. All of the rumors are just wishful (or pessimistic) thinking. It will be over one day, but until there is an official announcement from the negotiators don't get your hopes up every time someone says - 'I heard that it's going to be over _________' because in truth, they don't know. I'm not trying to be pessimistic, or dash anyone's hopes, but I don't see how the source of any of these rumors would know and I don't want to see people continually dissapointed.

Second, I've heard comments from several journalists that they are uncomfotable being very out front on this because they need to remain impartial and will have to cover labour actions again in the future. That is, to an extent, understandable. But, it seems that when labour actions do occur it is frequently only covered as a business story. Sometimes, if it is a public sector strike (teachers, bus drivers, medical workers etc.) the impact on the public is covered. What is rarely covered is the impact on the workers, the reality of weeks and sometimes months without a paycheque, or benefeits. I hope, while retaining impartiality, that this aspect of strikes and lockouts gets a little more attention in the future.