Negotiations continue between the City of Hamilton and it’s transit operators, mechanics, and support staff. The city tabled a revised offer to the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107 on Tuesday and both parties agreed to meet again on Friday.
The earliest a strike (and theoretically a lockout) can begin at 12:01 a.m. on Monday.
*(Explanation why 12:01 a.m. doesn’t mean service ends at midnight) *
Both sides issued statements yesterday and did not speak to the media.
I’m working night shift this weekend, backfilling for a friend, and will do my best to report developments.
The full statements follow:
Budh Dhillon, president of Local 107, wrote:
Negotiations with the City ended today. Some of the outstanding Articles were addressed however none of them were signed off. The negotiations will resume on Friday, January 27, 2012.
The Executive Board is asking all the members to continue to stay patient and continue to provide the best service to our passengers.
We will keep you informed while we remain committed to getting a fair deal.
In Solidarity on behalf of your Neg. Team:
Budh Dhillon
Kelly Anderson, public affairs coordinator for the public works department, issued the following statement on behalf of the city:
The City of Hamilton and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 107 met again today, with the assistance of a provincially appointed conciliator/mediator, and continued discussions towards reaching a collective agreement. The City tabled a revised offer to the union and both parties have agreed to meet again on Friday, January 27th.
“The City remains optimistic that we will reach an agreement on Friday,” said Gerry Davis, General Manager of Public Works for the City of Hamilton.
The two parties will be in a legal strike/lockout position at 12:01 a.m. on January 30th. ATU Local 107 represents HSR bus operators, mechanics and other transit workers.
In the event of a labour disruption, there would be no HSR transit service on any route throughout the city. HSR customers are encouraged to start considering alternative transportation options, such as:
Car pooling with neighbours or co-workers. Visit www.smartcommutehamilton.ca for more information about Hamilton’s Carpool Zone program – a free carpool matching system.
Walking, cycling
Working from home if possibleThe Disabled and Aged Regional Transportation System (DARTS), the accessible transit service provider for the City, is not part of ATU. In the event of a labour disruption, DARTS’ delivery of the specialized transit service would not be affected. Existing subscription trips, as well as currently booked casual trips, will remain in place. However, there may be some changes required to the way that passengers book trips for DARTS. These changes will be communicated to passengers in advance of any requirements through the ATS phone service, the City of Hamilton Web site, and through other public announcements.
New developments throughout the negotiation process will be shared as they become available.