No Hamilton bus service indefinitely as HSR workers strike
- Michael Kras
- 09 Nov 2023
There is not yet a clear path forward as Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) operators commence a strike action, effectively suspending all local public transit until further notice.
Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 107 began striking on the morning of Thursday, November 9th, leaving Hamilton without its widely-used transit network until the labour dispute can be settled between the ATU Local 107 and the City.
#HSRAlert Please note that the ATU Local 107 are now on strike. Therefore, no bus service will operate until further notice. DARTS service is unaffected by the strike and is operating. We appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve this labour disruption.
— Hamilton Street Railway (@hsr) November 9, 2023
The strike – the HSR’s first in 25 years – is the result of the ATU’s dissatisfaction with the City’s final contract offer, which would see a retroactive 3 per cent wage increase for 2023 and an additional 3 per cent increase each year from now until January 2026.
This would see HSR workers earning an annual salary of $79,726 by 2026; an amount ATU members say is insufficient to keep up with the rising cost of living.
HSR workers have taken to the picket lines and left all local bus service – except for DARTS – out of operation until a resolution can be found. As of now, the City is holding firm on its final offer, meaning Hamiltonians who regularly use the HSR for commuting will need to make alternate arrangements for the foreseeable future.
Options suggested by the City during this strike include walking, bike share, e-scooters, taxis, Ubers, carpooling, and working from home if and when possible.
Updates on the strike can be viewed on the city website.
Comments 0
There are no comments
Add comment