Hamilton city workers rally as strike threat looms

Over 3,000 Hamilton city workers could be on strike Monday if their union and the city don’t come to a contract agreement. This could affect a long list of services from garbage pickup to childcare. CUPE Local 5167 held a rally on Wednesday.

The labour stalemate has attracted bigger leaders within the union along with others from different municipalities to come here to city hall to help support a new deal.

City workers are calling on their employers to meet wage demands if they want to avoid delays and work stoppages in crucial city services.

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

They feel this rally is urgent as both sides are prepared to head back to the bargaining table Friday. Their out-of-town union allies believe larger-scale rallies for better pay will continue.

On Aug. 21, the 3,200 workers will enter a legal strike position, meaning if a deal isn’t met they will vote to hit the picket line.

READ MORE: Thousands of City of Hamilton workers get ready to walk off the job