Child care, garbage pickup among Hamilton services likely impacted by looming strike

More than 3,000 Hamilton city workers could walk off the job on Monday and it could affect many services including, child care centres, garbage pickup day, day camps and more.

Dayna Sparks has a four year old at Red Hill Family Centre, it will close Monday if there is a strike.

“The thing about the daycares is that there’s a routine,” said Sparks. “So it kind of sucks if they will lose that routine once if they do go on strike.”

Moreover, garbage, green bin and yard waste collection would not take place in the lower city, as well as Dundas, Flamborough and some parts of Ancaster.

READ MORE: List of impacted services if Hamilton city workers strike Monday

The city says temporary garbage depots would be established if a strike takes place and residents would be able to use the three community recycling centres as well.

A strike would also mean a shut down of city run summer camps, pools and recreation centres.

Festivals at public parks may also be impacted, Kevin Williamson runs 905 Fest at Bay Front Park and it’s set to go on Aug. 27.

“The city has let me know that if that is the case, that recreational services, such as my scheduled rental will be cancelled, our permit will be refunded, but this takes a great community event away from the public,” said Williamson.

READ MORE: Hamilton city workers rally as strike threat looms

Many other city services could also be impacted including getting a permit from city hall and parking enforcement.

When it comes to parking, the city says if there’s a strike, enforcement would be limited to what they call “immediate health and safety,” like someone parking too close to a fire hydrant or blocking an alleyway.

The city says they will stay at the table until a deal is reached, CUPE Local 5167 have yet to respond to CHCH News requests Friday, but they confirmed they are still at the table in a social media post.

📢📢 We are telling Hamilton City that they need to accept our wage proposal because we deserve it in the face of the cost of living crisis; because it would help deal with the staffing crisis; and because it would ensure equality between increases for us and non-union… pic.twitter.com/mRQxNQdFAm

— CUPE Ontario (@CUPEOntario) August 18, 2023