Day Six: Still A Standoff

There was a planned protest against the strike today at 1 p.m. on Market Street that largely seems to have fallen through. Anger against the striking workers, however, seems to be persisting, even if the protest never really manifested.

My guess would be that most of the anger toward the striking workers is rooted in several factors:

• The strike directly affects the everyday lives of people since there aren't any alternative public transportation services
• The context of the strike occurring during a period of economic downturn and large levels of unemployment
• The perception of the union as 'aggressor' -- TWU initiated the strike and turned down Septa's contract offers.
• High profile figures (such as Gov. Rendell) have condemned the strike.