Re: “Bus union threatens one-day strike,” Jan. 8.

Bus strike Jan. 22? You have got to be kidding!

Please — engage people who can mediate a settlement. From our perspective, this is the worst possible date to choose for a walkout.

Our organization has been planning an event since the summer featuring Joe Roberts, the heart of the Push for Change, a Canada-wide proposed walk by Joe to focus on poverty, mental health and addiction issues. Our event is being held at the Bodine Hall, Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney.

Victoria has the second highest rate of poverty in Canada. Transportation is one of the biggest issues impacting families dealing with poverty — so please have some heart and consideration for those you will hurt the most.

Right now, Joe is walking from Calgary to Edmonton in the middle of winter to acclimatize himself to what he will face walking across Canada. It will be very disappointing if he faces a near-empty hall on Jan. 22, because of a transit strike preventing those from attending who depend on transit and most need to hear his message of hope, inspiration and plan for action.

Donna Miller

President, Saanich Peninsula Canadian Federation of University Women

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