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Machinists strike impacting businesses near Bombardier

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By Sia Nyorkor

KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

7:11 PM CDT, October 10, 2012

(WICHITA, Kan.)

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The Bombardier machinists union strike has slowed traffic to a crawl in parts of west Wichita. Eyewitness News wanted to know if that has caused problems for other businesses in the area.

Since the strike began, traffic has been backed up on Tyler from K-42 to Kellogg and Mid Continent Drive between Harry & Kellogg - especially during the morning commute.

Traffic has snarled at times, leading police to warn drivers to stay off Tyler Rd. This has several businesses in the area concerned.

Tracey Flores, an electronic technician at Mobile Radio Service Inc says she thought the strike would leave the business in the lurch. But surprisingly, customers have stayed steady even with all the congestion.

But over at Hammond Liquors, staff has seen an immediate drop in business. Local workers that used to stop by for beverages after their shifts are now picketing.

"A lot of people come in from 2-3, get what they need to get and it's just been slow, we don't have the rush anymore," says Erica Hammond.

Right down the strip at Lumber Liquidators, the team says it's been touch and go.

"We had a customer who it took them a couple of hours just to get to our store because of the strike," says Hawns Osborne, assistant manager.

Some strikers say they recognize the strain the strike is putting on the area.
 
"Hopefully the company understands and it's just a wait thing," says Paul Love, an engineer at Bombardier.

"I think that's good for everyone if there's a resolution, good for us, good for business, good for people trying to get through, it would be a lot better for everyone," says Hammond.

Bombardier strike impacting nearby businesses.