Labour disruption in effect as of May 14, 2025

1. What services are impacted by the strike? 
All essential water, wastewater, and storm water service remain fully operational. The City has activated its contingency plans to ensure the continued, uninterrupted delivery. Some non-essential services may experience temporary adjustment. 

Essential services continuing without interruption include:

• Operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Ongoing monitoring of drinking water and wastewater systems
• Collection of all required regulatory water samples and response to spill reports
• Redirecting waste haulers from Woodward Avenue to the Upper Ottawa Waste Transfer Station
• Continued essential services at the Hamilton Water Storefront (330 Wentworth Street), including permit sales, appointment scheduling, and the sale of water truck and waste hauler tickets (available in person or by credit card over the phone)

Some non-essential services may be temporarily impacted, including:

• Some Internal programs
• Engineering design studies
• Certain water quality monitoring
• By-law administration/enforcement

Check back regularly for the most up-to-date information and service impacts.

2. Is residents’ drinking water safe? 
Yes. There is no risk to the quality or safety of drinking water. All regulatory monitoring, sampling, and treatment continue to meet provincial standards. The City has contingency plans in place and is committed to maintaining safe and reliable drinking water for all residents.

3. Will well maintenance and water testing still be conducted? 
Yes. Well maintenance and water testing services continue without interruption.

4.  Can residents still get permits and access to Hamilton Water programs? 
Yes. Hamilton Water Storefront Operations (330 Wentworth Street) will continue to provide essential services, including the sale of permits, appointment scheduling, and the sale of waste hauler and water truck tickets. These services will be available both in person at the storefront and over the phone. Purchases made over the phone must be completed using a credit card.

5. How many workers are on strike and what are their roles? 
There are 55 HOWEA members on strike. They work in skilled trades and operations roles within Hamilton Water, including water and wastewater treatment operations. There are approximately 371 Hamilton Water employees in total (union and non-union positions).

6. Will residents experience service delays? 
Most essential services will continue as usual.

Some non-essential services may experience temporary adjustments, including internal programs, engineering design studies, some water quality monitoring and by-law administration/enforcement.

7. Will the strike impact water bills or taxes? 
There is no anticipated impact on water bills or property taxes at this time. The City is committed to maintaining service continuity and fiscal responsibility.