HAMILTON, ON – After months of negotiations and a 7-day strike, members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 107-Hamilton, ON, have ratified a strong tentative agreement, averting any further labour disruptions.
In a vote that concluded on Thursday night, the Union’s membership passed the deal by 81 percent. It had been endorsed unanimously by the Local’s Executive Board.
“The membership stuck together and were clear about what they were willing to accept, and ultimately accepted this latest offer for a 4-year deal,” said ATU Local 107 President/Business Agent Eric Tuck.
The Union reached a 4-year tentative deal with Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) at 2:00 am on November 16, after a 7-day strike. Both sides had been negotiating since the start of 2023 as members had been without a renewed contract since December 31, 2022. After contract talks broke down in late August, members voted 99 percent in favour of a strike mandate. Local 107 represents 907 full-time members and 12 part-time members at HSR Transit, which moves nearly 20 million passengers per year.
“Once again ATU members proved they are willing to hold the line to fight for fair collective bargaining and a contract that provides strong benefits and living wages for them and all of their families,” said ATU International President John Costa, who was on the picket lines with Local 107 members. “I am humbled by the strength, resilience, and solidarity demonstrated by our Local 107 members. These frontline heroes continue to prove their commitment and dedication to providing the safe and reliable transportation that the people of Hamilton rely on each and every day.”