On November 16, 2009 the members of ATU Local 741 went on strike after failing to have reached a deal with the London Transit Commission (to referred to as LTC).

The LTC services 32 routes (19 accessible) with annual ridership around the 18.3 million mark. The LTC provides one of the only forms of transportation available to Fanshawe College and University of Western Ontario students (approximately 40,000 people), as well to many individuals on Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program Income Support. Many other low income families depend on the LTC as their only affordable option with regards to transportation to work, school and child care. This impending strike leaves many without the ability to go to work, go to school, make medical appointments, go to the hospital, take children to school or daycare, or purchase groceries.

The LTC needs to be made an essential service in order to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity with regards to transportation. Such strikes are detrimental to the city. We, the undersigned, agree with that London Transit Commission should be made an essential service immediately.