it's past the time

[Subway]

It is long past the time for the average CUPE member to 'rise up' and put an end to this madness.

Hi,
Does this expression mean the same as ''the time to... is gone''? Can I rephrase the sentence above as "The time for the average CUPE member to 'rise up' and put an end to this madness is long gone." and would it still be fine English?
Thanks.

[Esl_Expert]

Hello Subway,

I would understand the original sentence to mean that a member uprising is overdue. So, the uprising is still possible, but it would have been better if it had taken place long before now.

Your rewording suggests to me that an uprising is no longer possible.

[Subway]

hi,

how would you fill the blank and maintain the meaning of the original sentence, please?

"The time for the average CUPE member to 'rise up' and put an end to this madness is _________."

also, how would you rephrase the expression "it's past the time"?

thanks.