City of Hamilton bracing as potential transit worker strike looms

The City of Hamilton is asking residents who rely on transit services to begin planning alternatives for their commute as a possible transit worker strike could severely impact services in the city.

As of midnight Wednesday, members of the Amalgamated Transit Union could be in a legal strike position should an agreement not be reached.

In a statement released Monday, the city said it requested a no-board notice from the provincial government last month in hopes of expediting negotiations.

The City and the transit union are set to continue negotiations Monday and Tuesday to work towards a deal before the deadline.

READ MORE: Hamilton bus drivers vote in favour of strike mandate

At this time, the City is advising all transit users to consider what alternatives can be taken for their commute if services become unavailable.

City officials say that though the union had previously stated they would be waiting until Nov. 5 to meet with their membership, they now believe disruptions could begin as soon as Wednesday.

Contingency plans have been prepared by the city should strike action begin, saying that Hamilton Street Railway will “take steps to ensure that all City buses can be returned to service as soon as possible following a possible disruption.”

Back in August, 99 per cent of union members voted in favour of a strike mandate should an agreement not be reached.

The union that represents almost 900 HSR workers is asking for a seven per cent pay raise.

READ MORE: St. Lawrence Seaway shuts down as workers go on strike