At this juncture, the most important question is how to move forward. While forgiveness and forgetting may seem unattainable or unrealistic in the face of perceived or real injustices, there is wisdom in choosing to move on.
Moving forward does not mean accepting the outcomes or condoning the process. Nor does it mean walking away from unresolved issues. It means recognizing the value of maintaining professionalism, even when the circumstances are less than ideal. This approach, focused on self-preservation and the broader goal of progress, applies to both the City of Hamilton’s authorities and union members alike.
Public service workers deserve dignity, fairness, and acknowledgment of their essential roles in maintaining the infrastructure that sustains our city. At the same time, stewardship of public resources demands that negotiations remain transparent and equitable.
True reconciliation does not require forgetting the tensions that led to the impasse. Instead, it demands an honest acknowledgment of these tensions. This means that City leadership must demonstrate that lessons have been learned, with an emphasis on improving communication, improving negotiation practices, and instituting safeguards to prevent future breakdowns.
While The Hamiltonian has strived to remain neutral and represent the interests of Hamiltonians, it was difficult to observe the portrayal of union members merely as disruptors. The Hamiltonian provided thorough, balanced reporting. To do otherwise would only serve to exacerbate the tension surrounding the labour disruption.
Reconciliation must also safeguard the broader public interest. We must demand a complete accounting of the financial impact of the strike, as promised, and ensure that future contracts are negotiated in a manner that balances workers’ rights with the city’s long-term sustainability. The Hamiltonian has made this request of the city and we will report back once we receive this information. See it here.
Stay tuned to The Hamiltonian as we continue to follow this story.
The IUOE Local 772 is attempting to move forward with professionalism as we are known for. However, the City remains obsessed with comments and social media postings during the strike. We have committed to remove items we control and have respectfully requested same of other organizations. We have only made issue with one pre-settlement matter where a members car was broken down, City contacted bylaw and ticketed vehicle while ignoring 20 others. Clearly targeted and an attempt at intimidation. city is refusing to void the ticket. It doesn’t appear the City desires to move forward and attempt to repair the damage and restore relationships. The IUOE has dropped all matters, for example being hit by cars, except for the ticket. We have applied through FOI for costs of strike. The skilled certified water & wastewater employees need to move forward and focus on protecting our drinking water and waste discharges.
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