Another strike looms in Hamilton as HSR workers vote on mandate

Another potential strike looms in Hamilton as the union representing HSR workers says a vote on a strike mandate will happen Thursday, after weeks of labour talks and no agreement.

The head of the local union says they have also filed for a mediator with the Ministry of Labour. He says nearly 900 HSR employees have been working without a deal since last December, and if they vote in favour of a strike mandate, he says they could hit the picket line around this time next month if no deal is struck between them and the city.

The news is also leaving riders who depend on the service on edge.

The local leader of the amalgamated transit union, Eric Tuck said now is the time for his members to get a pay bump, after he says non-union officer staff and managers at City Hall received raises this year.

READ MORE: No strike Monday as City of Hamilton, unionized workers reach tentative agreement

Tuck said current labour talks have gone nowhere in the past three weeks, and 880 union members will take part in a strike mandate vote this Thursday.

“If we get a strong mandate, I hope its enough incentive for the City to come to the table and get this deal done,” Tuck said.

Tuck said the union representing bus operators, maintenance and other employees are at the table asking for a 7 per cent pay raise, a hike that is meant to keep up with inflation according to Tuck.

He says the average worker makes $34 per hour.

“I don’t believe they’re bargaining in good faith…and let me tell you this is my 5th negotiations and they’ve never given the non-union staff a raise over the unionized staff,” Tuck said.

The City of Hamilton tells CHCH News it won’t comment while negotiations are ongoing but adds the City remains committed to “negotiating a renewed collective agreement that is fair for workers and fair for taxpayers.”

READ MORE: Hamilton city workers rally as strike threat looms

The City of Hamilton has been busy with labour talks for city workers including waste collectors and recreational staff. A massive rally was held at City Hall last week, supporting 3200 workers looking for better pay.

The City was preparing for job action but in this case a tentative deal was struck and is now awaiting ratification and council approval.

But, so far there’s no word on what the City plans to do in the event of an HSR strike.