Treading Water. Still No Resolution

 The latest from the Union;

The parties met Friday after the union provided documents to settle which included binding arbitration with condition on scope, a return to work protocol and a memorandum of settlement. All were rejected by the City of Hamilton. It is clear and obvious that the City only desires a meeting every few weeks to check a box and state publicly the parties met. However, there appears to be no desire to settle and it borders on bad faith bargaining. The union is considering an Unfair Labour Practice complaint application to the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

The City of Hamilton cares nothing about wasted tax dollars because it’s unlimited funds and not their money. The Mayor and council care little if at all about delayed buses, garbage pick up, traffic congestion, hidden costs like overtime, lost production of city staff, infrastructure repairs. They care little for burn out of staff having to “live” at the facility. No water, murky water, no pressure, no problem for the Mayor and City council as long as it is not their water. 

Settlement talks ended abruptly with no response to union documents. It is also clear and obvious, the City Manager states “we are offering a fair settlement for the workers and being fiscally responsible to taxpayers” neither one is truthful.

Mayor Horwath states unequivocally drinking water is safe, a statement she cannot make either.

We desire to return to work with internal parity and that is the only fair outcome. There is a severe disconnect of communication between council, the Executive Director of Human Resources and the negotiating team. Each telling a very different story on resolution when spoken to. The process has been frustrating, unfair and costly to taxpayers.
Yesterday we informed the City of Hamilton to call when a serious offer addressing all aspects of a return to work will be presented and a new team of senior staff decision makers will be in attendance.

Binding arbitration on the question of pay equity not pattern bargaining is the fair and just resolution but not to the City of Hamilton.

Greg Hoath
Business Manager IUOE 772