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There is a petition for transit being declared an "essential service" (and ordering the workers back to work). Here's the link if you are interested - it's simple and takes 30 seconds:
http://www.petitiononline.com/transpo/petition.html
NOTE - there is a typo in the petition as written though, so to correct it, when you are typing in your name and address for your signature, you can simply cut and paste the following note in the Comment field (or write your own explanation): * With a correction to the third last word in the fourth sentence of the petition changing the "and" to "an".
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If you can find a reason that the strike provides an immediate and serious danger to the safety or health of the public, please read the following and email/fax/write to the Industrial Relations Board.
http://www.cirb-ccri.gc.ca/octranspo_eng.asp
Notice To The Public
In the matter of the Canada Labour Code (Part I - Industrial Relations) and a referral by the Minister of Labour to the Canada Industrial Relations Board pursuant to section 87.4(7) involving the City of Ottawa (OC Transpo) and the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 279.
The Minister of Labour, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, has requested that the Canada Industrial Relations Board determine the action, if any, that is required in order for the employer, the union and the employees in the bargaining unit to comply with section 87.4(1) during a work stoppage.
Section 87.4(1) of the Canada Labour Code provides that: "During a strike or lockout not prohibited by this Part, the employer, the trade union and the employees in the bargaining unit must continue the supply of services, operation of facilities or production of goods to the extent necessary to prevent an immediate and serious danger to the safety or health of the public."
Keeping this criterion in mind, members of the public have an opportunity to provide a written explanation as to why they think this obligation is or is not being met during the current work stoppage involving the City of Ottawa (OC Transpo) and the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 279.
Submissions must provide specific details in support of the statements being made and must be limited to the issue raised in this notice. They must also include the name and contact information of the person making the submission. Please note that all submissions received will be transmitted to the employer and the trade union for their review and comment.
Submissions may be sent to the Canada Industrial Relations Board as follows:
by email at octranspo-atu@cirb-ccri.gc.ca
by fax at 613-941-4461
by regular mail or by hand at the following address:
Canada Industrial Relations Board, Regional Director
C.D. Howe Building, 4th Floor West, 240 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0X8
Please note that all written submissions must be received at the Canada Industrial Relations Board no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 9, 2009.
Ginette Brazeau
Executive Director and Senior Registrar