This reminds me of the Aliant strike back in '04. The union then didn't want to give any concessions - just like the ATU is doing now. Then, Aliant just basically waited them out. Mind you it took 9 months to wear them down. But I can see that as the direction the City is taking on this. It's been 5-6 weeks now since the strike and I would imagine that the people have adapted to having no transit (given no other option). I'm sure it is extremely difficult for them not being able to get around. People have lost their jobs, in the process of losing their homes, it's ridiculous. What I'm trying to get at is the damage is done now. Soon, it will be the union members who are suffering the most and then they will be crying to go back to work.
That's not to say I think or am hoping this strike will last 9 months. Quite the contrary. I'm hoping it's over soon, but I think both sides are so dug in on the scheduling issue, it could last for quite a while.