HSR strike enters day 2: Union members stand firm in contract dispute

On the second day of the strike, over 800 Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) members remain on strike due to a contract dispute with the city, keeping buses off the road.

McMaster University students say they’re concerned about a long strike that could drag into the colder months, which could stop them from going to their classes.

On Friday, at the HSR Mountain Transit Centre, the ATU Local 107 has set up their picket line. The union members have been instructed not to speak with the media, but the transit workers are holding strong and there are lots of honks from passing cars.

This is happening as the city prepares to welcome thousands of people for Grey Cup celebrations next week.

At an afternoon press conference earlier on Friday, transit workers threatened to block any non-union busses transporting people to the festival.

“Anybody who attempts to bring busses into this city using scab labour to replace the work that we did – this is a labour town and we will take it seriously and we will deal with it,” said ATU Local 107 President, Eric Tuck.

READ MORE: Hamilton bus service halted as HSR workers go on strike

Andrea Horwath said the Hamilton has nothing to do with the shuttles that may or may not be lined up for the festival. However, she added that the Grey Cup organizers and the Hamilton Sports Group may need to arrange back up plans if a resolution isn’t reached.

“The Grey Cup folks, absolutely will have to find contingencies if we’re not able to get to the table in the next couple of days and settle this,” said Horwath.

Wages are a big issue with this strike, with the city saying its final offer includes a 13 per cent salary bump over 4 years, while the union asked for a 23 per cent increase.

“That doesn’t mean we’re not willing to negotiate. But in order to negotiate you got to have a willing partner that’s prepared to move off of their numbers. We’re more than willing to move off that 23 per cent. But we need the city to move off of their numbers as well,” said Eric Tuck.

The union says they’re looking for a wage increase to keep up with inflation and the cost of living.

READ MORE: How to commute around Hamilton if HSR goes on strike Thursday