Be grateful they have jobs?

[hyphenate]

The local bus service workers almost went on strike about a week ago, but they agreed to instead wait two weeks before going out.

The main sticking point I have determined is the amount the employees need to contribute to their health insurance--currently, they are paying 14% into it, but the company wants them to pay 25%. The workers went up to 18%, I believe, but could go to 20% at their highest.

I know these things are important, and I know that this is always going to be an issue with contracts, but I have this niggling little voice in me that keeps saying, "Take what they can now! They should be lucky they HAVE jobs!"

The bus services is vital to almost every facet of the city, including me, when I use the Paratransit to go to appointments or other places. Lots of people use it to get to their jobs, so that's a major factor. If the workers went on strike, it would complicate life for almost everyone, if it means more cars on the road, or simply people unable to go to work.

Based on my own work history and health insurance, I don't think 25% pay in from the workers is too high, but others might see it differently. Of course, I don't know all the changes that might be made with a new contract, but in the current atmosphere, I think it's more important for people to stay in the jobs they have, and in most cases be grateful they have jobs.

I'm not assuming the side of the company completely, but I am not sure it's wise to strike when there are so many people who are out of work, and would be willing to cross a picket line in order to get the job.

I'm not looking for flamebait, I just want to know: is there any kind of compromise that could be reached to keep the transportation service running, and the terms less of a problem? Could one solution be to make a shorter contract, so they're able to go back to the table sooner when this recession peters out?