City remains committed to negotiations with HOWEA

City’s core services are fully operational and drinking water remains safe

HAMILTON, ON – The City remains committed to returning to the collective bargaining process and respects the important role of Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA) in representing its members. The City’s goal is to reach a fair and responsible resolution.

It is important to emphasize that core water services continue uninterrupted, and the City continues to deliver safe, clean drinking water to the community. Comprehensive contingency plans have been in place since the start of the labour disruption to maintain critical facilities operations and ensure the safe and continued delivery of water, wastewater, and stormwater services. 

The essential water, wastewater and stormwater services in full operation include: 

• Operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Monitoring of drinking water and wastewater systems.
• Collection of all regulatory drinking water and wastewater samples, as well as response and investigation to reported spills.
• Redirection of Waste Haulers from Woodward Avenue to the Upper Ottawa Waste Transfer Station.
• Continued essential services at the Hamilton Water Storefront Operations (330 Wentworth Street), including permit sales, 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.)

“As we enter into the third week of the labour disruption, I want to reiterate that our door remains open to continued negotiations. We are committed to reaching a fair agreement that supports HOWEA members while being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of Hamilton,” said City Manager Marnie Cluckie. “Core services remain fully operational. Clean, safe drinking water continues to be delivered, and our critical systems are being maintained without interruption.”

As part of the City’s continued commitment to our critical water operations, over the past three years, Council has approved over $856 million in capital investments to our water, wastewater, and stormwater systems; including treatment plants, pumping stations and distribution networks. These investments help ensure continued delivery of clean, safe drinking water and ensure our systems are operating reliably. 

Stay up to date on the labour disruption, including what residents need to know and frequently asked questions, on the City's website at www.hamilton.ca/LabourDisruption. 

Quick Facts

• HOWEA represents 55 members who work at Hamilton Water in the positions including Water/Wastewater Operators, Millwrights, Electricians, and Instruments & Control Technicians. There are approximately 371 Hamilton Water employees in total (union and non-union positions). 
• On a typical weekday, about 15 operators work at water and wastewater facilities, with fewer staff scheduled overnight or on holidays.
• Non-union staff and contractors are adequately covering operational needs and maintaining safe operations during the disruption.
• The City can continue delivering services during this labour disruption for as long as necessary.
• The City has been in negotiations with HOWEA since December 9, 2024. 
• On April 23, 2025, HOWEA requested the Provincial Conciliator file a ‘no-board’ report.
• On April 24, 2025, the HOWEA membership voted in favour of strike action.
• On April 27, 2025, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development granted a ‘No-Board’ notice, making a legal strike or lockout permissible as of May 14, 2025. 
• On May 13, 2025, the City and HOWEA met with a provincial mediator. The City provided an offer consistent with those negotiated with other City groups, which HOWEA rejected. HOWEA informed the City on May 13, 2025 at 10 pm of its intention to strike on May 14, 2025 at 12:01 am.
• On May 26, 2025, the City and HOWEA met with a provincial mediator with a goal to reach a fair and responsible resolution within Council’s financial mandate for collective bargaining.
• The City’s offer to HOWEA is consistent with the collective bargaining agreements reached with 8 other unions at the City, covering over 6,000 employees, in this round of bargaining.