List of impacted services if Hamilton city workers strike Monday

Garbage pickup in the lower city, parks and road maintenance, and city-run child-care centres are among an extensive list of services that may be impacted if more than 3,200 Hamilton city workers go on strike next week.

Staff are set to be in a legal strike position Monday following unsuccessful negotiations between the City of Hamilton and its largest union, CUPE Local 5167, on a new contract that includes increased wages.

The union and city began bargaining on Feb. 6 and met twice in July with a provincial conciliator. This prompted the Minister of Labour to issue a “no board” report Friday, signifying a potential strike or lockout as of 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 21.

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

In a virtual press conference Tuesday, the city says health and safety-related services would be prioritized in the event of a strike.

“With 3,200 employees, it does mean we have to make some choices and prioritize those health and safety areas, and other services we cannot continue to provide, and we will redistribute staffing to keep those essential ones going,” said Hamilton City Manager Janette Smith.

Some of the city services that will not be impacted by the looming strike include Hamilton Street Railway and DARTS, long-term care, and fire and paramedic services.

Should there be a strike beginning Monday, the following services will be affected. Visit the City of Hamilton’s website for a complete list of impacts and updates.

Green Bin, Recycling, Garbage and Bulk Garbage

The city says curbside collection of recycling would continue throughout Hamilton as that service is contracted out. Although, residents can expect delays.

Curbside collection of garbage, green bin and yard waste would continue in Stoney Creek, Hamilton Mountain, Ancaster south of Highway 403 and the B zones of Glanbrook on regular pick-up days as contractors also complete this work.

On the other hand, curbside collection of garbage, green bin and yard waste would not take place in the lower city, Dundas, Flamborough and Ancaster north of Highway 403 due to city staff providing that service. Temporary garbage depots would be created in those areas and residents would be able to use the three community recycling centres.

Bulk garbage pick-up would not take place in any area of the city.

Child Care and EarlyON Child and Family Centres

Red Hill Family Centre and EarlyON Child and Family Centres located in city facilities or parks would close. All other EarlyON centres will remain open.

Child-care fee subsidy intake for new applicants will be paused, with the exception of high-risk families and children with special needs.

Road, Sidewalk and Traffic Operations

In the event of a strike, only emergency repairs would be made for sidewalks, safety barriers, culverts, shoulder maintenance, stormwater management, graffiti removal, catch basin repairs, potholes and structure maintenance, traffic signs, signals, road pavement markings, and street lighting.

Parks and Recreation

The city says parks, open spaces, sports fields, litter control and trails would not be maintained, which means sports field permits would be suspended.

City community centres, arenas, senior centres and seniors’ clubs, spray pads, courts, pools, and recreation facilities would be closed.

All recreation programming including summer camps, Supie, classes, drop-in programs and city programming in schools would be cancelled.

All rental permits for rooms, gyms, ice amenities with recreation centres, seniors’ centres and arenas will be cancelled. User groups will be contacted by email and refunds or credits will be issued at a later date.

Tim Hortons Fields operations will continue for Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Forge FC but community usage, field of play and bookable room spaces will be cancelled.

King’s Forest Golf Club and Chedoke Golf Club would be closed.

Ontario Works

Ontario Works and Special Supports Program offices would be closed and all appointments would be cancelled. However, monthly assistance cheques would still be issued.

Marriage License and Civil Marriage Ceremonies

Marriage licenses and Commissioning of Affidavits can be obtained in-person from municipal offices in surrounding areas, such as the City of Burlington.

Civil marriage ceremonies scheduled at Hamilton’s city hall would be moved to another space. New civil marriage ceremony bookings would not take place until city hall reopens.