In order to get improvements in their job security amidst the emergence of a rival bus line, bus drivers in Okayama, Japan decided to go on strike in a unique way in 2018. While on strike, they supported the community by continuing to drive their routes, but simply not charging customers.
Okayama buses strike by continuing to run and refusing to take anyone’s money
Bus drivers in Okayama working with Ryobi Group have taken to the streets in an unusual form of protest. While technically on strike, they are continuing to drive their routes while refusing to take fares from passengers.
▼ Image shows a white blanket over the fare machine.
A new rival bus line Megurin began operating on April 27 with some routes overlapping those of Ryobi and offering a cheaper fare. If that all wasn’t bad enough, Megurin buses have cute little faces too.
As a result, Ryobi drivers are feeling threatened and are asking management for improvements to their job security under the added competition. It would seem Ryobi was less than enthusiastic to accommodate and a strike was declared.
In cases such as this, … Continue Reading (3 minute read)
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8 thoughts on “In order to get improvements in their job security amidst the emergence of a rival bus line, bus drivers in Okayama, Japan decided to go on strike in a unique way in 2018. While on strike, they supported the community by continuing to drive their routes, but simply not charging customers.”
NarrativeScorpion
This is the best kind of strike. Inconveniencing corporations, but not customers.
This is also how the resident physician union was established at the University of Michigan. They strike by writing notes that omit necessary components for billing (which largely do not effect patient care) rather than ceasing to provide patient care.
But how did they keep getting away with it. Are the execs like “dammit the 47th day in a row with no fares being paid” looks at John the driver…John with big shrug shoulders and pikachu face “I have no idea boss, I swear they all paid”
This happened in Toronto too. The drivers just let the coins build up in the clear Perspex slot. So you put in a few coppers and the drivers didn’t care. This was 2006-7 I think.
This is the best kind of strike. Inconveniencing corporations, but not customers.
This is also how the resident physician union was established at the University of Michigan. They strike by writing notes that omit necessary components for billing (which largely do not effect patient care) rather than ceasing to provide patient care.
But how did they keep getting away with it. Are the execs like “dammit the 47th day in a row with no fares being paid” looks at John the driver…John with big shrug shoulders and pikachu face “I have no idea boss, I swear they all paid”
Though rare, similar strikes have also happened in Brisbane, Sydney, and Cleveland.
This happened in Toronto too. The drivers just let the coins build up in the clear Perspex slot. So you put in a few coppers and the drivers didn’t care. This was 2006-7 I think.
Feel like I remember this happening in Vancouver close to the same time. Didn’t wear uniforms, didn’t work overtime, refused fares.
this also happened in m BC Canada a few years back
Isn’t that a fairly standard way for transit workers to strike? I swear thats been done multiple times here in Australia before