Union's Response to Cluckie

Further to the City Manager Marnie Cluck's press release, found below and here:, The Hamiltonian reached out to Greg Hoath for the union's reaction to it. Mr. Hoath advised as follows:

Once again ignorance is bliss. The labour disruption was a foregone conclusion of bargaining since the last round of bargaining in 2020 when the IUOE Local 772 issued notice to the City of Hamilton. We would have 2 issues of fairness that came from the disastrous privatization deal with Philip Utilities, Azurix, and finally American Water.

The two issues were an outdated antiquated system of certification achievement and reward. A system that never worked one day but negated any efforts of employees to achieve higher certifications and wages. The other was market parity of $5-$6 per hour and at a minimum, internal parity, pay equity of $3 per hour. The City Manager is correct about one aspect, the jobs are not the same. In fact, the Water Distribution Operator or Wastewater Collection Operator require one, Level 1 Ontario license. The IUOE plant Water Wastewater Operators require the same license at Level 3 in addition to Level 3 licenses in 3 other disciplines. We have licensed Instrumentation Techs, Electricians and Millwrights, same City classifications are $5-$6 per hour more. 

The City Manager is correct, the jobs are not the same, we should be higher paid. However, we have taken a reasonable position of internal pay equity. Our position was the same 20 years ago in 2005 when the City of Hamilton decided to return the plant to public control. A decision we applauded but not today. We have remained steadfast in our position of fairness. Employers have long abandoned pattern bargaining as the end all, as employers have needed to recognize differences as they experience difficulty in attraction and retention of skilled certified workers. We have a revolving door in such an essential public service as drinking water safety and environmental protection. The City needs to leave the stone age behind, abandon the idea that one settlement fits all, recognize parity unique to this bargaining unit, and settle now. The City has always said what CUPE gets, you all get. 

This is not about fairness or fiscal responsibility to taxpayers as they waste more on a labour disruption, nor is it about good faith bargaining, this is about politics. “What will we tell CUPE at the next round of bargaining?” We suggested the truth - pay equity. 

The City cannot guarantee water is safe as they have been less than forthcoming on brown water, no water, water main breaks, odours, high sodium content and so on.

We believe Mayor Horwath has forgot her roots, once supportive of labour now dismissive and the City Manager is out of touch with reality in this matter. The parties are returning to the table on Friday but our resolve is as strong as ever and to be clear this labour disruption is a failure of the City Human Resources, City Management, Mayor Horwath and City Council.

Would you think it to be fair if a Nurse was paid less than a PSW? If not, call council and demand a settlement that’s good for workers, for staffing and for the taxpayer. Would you accept millions of tax dollars to be spent on keeping workers out while the settlement costs $300000? If not, call council and demand they settle and stop wasting scarce tax dollars. Fifty four licensed certified Water Wastewater and Trades remain on a picket line. Our apologies to the public for any impact you have experienced, we would rather be at work. Your understanding is appreciated.