Counting down to a possible Hamilton city worker walkout

[projekktor id=’19060′]

It could be a long, hot stinky summer if contract negotiations fail between the city of Hamilton and workers who collect garbage and maintain the roads and pools.

CUPE local 5167, the union representing those workers, along with DARTS, Good Shepherd women’s services, the Royal Botanical Gardens and more will be in a legal strike position as of midnight tonight.

Negotiations are continuing and both sides have agreed to give 48 hours notice before any strike or lock out. But it’s going down to the wire and even with 48 hours notice it could still cause big headaches for a lot of people.

Garbage pick-up would be affected, parks, pools and sports fields closed. The city has posted this full list of affected services.

The city says it is hopeful a deal can be reached but it’s also making contingency plans. The union is posting negotiation updates on its website.