Hamilton transit workers voting today on possible strike

Hamilton transit workers are considering strike action, with union members voting Thursday on whether they should move forward with a strike mandate.

"I would be confident saying we're at least 30 days before the strike or walkout," said Eric Tuck, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107 (ATU 107), told CBC Hamilton Wednesday. 

The union represents workers with Hamilton Street Railway (HSR).

If union members vote in favour of the mandate, a conciliator will be appointed to the case.Then, the parties will meet to negotiate a fair collective agreement. 

If there's no movement by the parties, then either party can apply for a "no board report." Within 17 days of filing that report, the workers can go on strike. 

We've killed a lot of time and a lot of trees with papers back and forth. It can't get much done.- Eric Tuck, ATU Local 107 president

Tuck said the union representing bus operators, maintenance and other employees started the collective bargaining process six months ago. They are asking for fairer wages to keep up with inflation rates.

"We've killed a lot of time and a lot of trees with papers back and forth. It can't get much done."

The City of Hamilton said it is unable to provide further comment at this time, as the negotiations are active and ongoing. In a statement to CBC Hamilton, the city said they "look forward to working with the conciliator to make further progress in negotiations.

"The city remains committed to continuing to meet with the ATU Local 107 negotiation committee, with a view of negotiating a renewed collective agreement that is fair for workers and fair for taxpayers," the city said.

Demand for higher wages, longer breaks

Tuck said while non-union members have seen increases in their pay, union members feel stuck with low wages.

"My members have lost money over the last couple of years due to inflation. So we are lucky to make up for some of that lost ground and ensure that we keep pace with inflation going forward."

Also, with the B Line bus route that runs east to west through the city converting into the new Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, the union is asking for more job security for HSR workers. 

"We want to make sure that our members operate and maintain [the LRT], and that it is not privately contracted."

Right now, workers get nine hours' rest between shifts, Tuck said, but that can be unsafe, he added. A 10-hour break would be more suitable, according to Tuck, especially with rest time being used to travel to Hamilton from outside regions. 

"They have longer commutes, which means they need more time to drive to and from work and get the proper sleep. For us, that's a serious safety concern."

Another contentious issue, said Tuck, is the integration of part-time workers into the system. He said part-time workers often work other jobs and might not get the full rest they need.

"It's a safety issue…That's why you don't have part-time firefighters. That's why you don't have part-time police because it requires you to be very alert and at work."

While Tuck said the union's goal is always to negotiate a fair collective agreement, he hopes members vote for a strike mandate.

"I've been here 35 years, we've never gotten a collective agreement without a strong strike mandate. In the City of Hamilton, for some reason, the only way you're gonna get a contract is to get a strong strike mandate."