Resolution or Revolution? The Water Pressure is High.

As The Hamiltonian has been covering the ongoing labour disruption involving the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA), it is important to provide clarity regarding who is responding to what.

On June 12, 2025, we published a piece entitled Water Fight, which can be found by clicking here.

Today, in response to a request for comment that we made to City Manager Marnie Cluckie, we received the following statement, which we have been asked to attribute more broadly to the City of Hamilton:

"Thank you for your inquiry. Our response is captured in the The City Manager’s statement shared on June 12, 2025. We remain open to returning to the bargaining table with HOWEA.

If you would like more information, please visit our website at https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/howea-labour-disruption-updates.

The City Manager and other management are available for further conversation if needed."

On June 18, The Hamiltonian published its own view on what a fair solution to the strike might be. That piece can be found by clicking here.  We shared this link with all members of City Council, the Mayor, the City Manager, and Greg Hoath, Business Manager of the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA).

Following that, Greg Hoath responded to The Hamiltonian’s view. In an email sent to The Hamiltonian—copied to all members of City Council, the Mayor, and the City Manager—he wrote:

"Hamiltonian

The IUOE Local 772 couldn’t agree more with your analysis. Pay Equity is not simply a gender based equity but extends to injustice in wage rates where qualifications, skills and certification requirements are in question.

The City can maintain its integrity of pattern bargaining to achieve what it perceives as fiscal responsibility while addressing the pay equity for 54 water & wastewater employees.

The labour disruption should never happened and wasting taxpayers dollars needs to end. Provide the parity in the first year and return the employees to work.

We thank the Hamiltonian for its continuing interest and thoughtful independent analysis.

Regards
Greg Hoath
Business Manager IUOE 772

It would therefore appear that one side in this dispute finds The Hamiltonian’s view agreeable. The question remains: Does the City of Hamilton?

As the City’s latest release (quoted above) closes with: “The City Manager and other management are available for further conversation if needed,” The Hamiltonian will  ask City Manager Marnie Cluckie to indicate whether the City is willing to consider the path to resolution espoused in The Hamiltonian’s view.

To be very clear: The Hamiltonian is taking no side in this matter. Our view was clinical, carefully considered, and rooted in fairness. The only side we are on is that of everyday Hamiltonians!

Stay tuned...We will publish the response we receive.

Update: Here is a response received June 20 @ 8:25pm from Greg Hoath

"The IUOE Local 772 is always prepared to return to bargaining. However, there is only one issue, equal pay for equal work. Base rate for operators $41.35 the same as other similar positions in the City of Hamilton and $44.50 for Instrumentation Techs, Electricians and Millwrights the same as the City trades. Pay equity is not just gender based but also qualification based.

As a born and bred Hamiltonian and long time taxpayer, I am irate at the willingness of the City Manager Cluckie and Mayor Horwath and council, to waste excessive taxpayers dollars on an unnecessary labour disruption. The cost to date is likely double the settlement. We believe the City should disclose the costs and be accountable, not retreat, hide and act like cowards. 

We need to return to work with fairness, end the 20 years of injustice, award parity and end the taxpayer waste Mayor Horwath and City Manager Cluckie."

With Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann

Enjoy our chat with Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann.  Clr. Nana is now listed on our Star Wards list which you can see here.

1. Your tenure as Ward 3 City Councillor includes a focus on equity and inclusion. Can you discuss some of the specific initiatives you've implemented to promote these values in Hamilton?

As Hamilton’s first racialized woman elected to City Council, I get this question a lot! 

Sidewalk snow removal address the inequities faced by folks with disabilities, those who use mobility devices, seniors, parents who push kids in strollers, and others who struggled getting to the bus on snowy, icy and slippery sidewalks is a perfect example of an equity and inclusion based policy change that has improved access to public transit for all in the winter. 

The Vacant Unit Tax is an equity based tax policy that aims to increase housing supply by creating an incentive for property owners to sell unoccupied homes or make them available to be rented.  

During a nation-wide housing crisis, and in Hamilton where the cost of housing has sky-rocketed over the past decade, it is critical to pull every lever available to the city to help ensure availability of housing. For those sitting on properties, purposely kept empty, to speculate future wealth generation, they clearly have the means to pay more taxes which in turn the city can use to help fund new affordable and supportive housing. 

The practice of bad-faith renovictions was also a widespread inequity in neighbourhoods across the city. Championing the development of Ontario’s first Renovation License and Relocation By-law, Safe Apartments By-law, and the Tenant Defense Fund along-side renters is another specific initiative that demonstrates an equity approach to municipal government that I am proud of delivering on behalf of Hamiltonians who rent. 

Another tangible example of an equity approach was to ensure the new Truck Route took heavy, polluting trucks that made many residents feel unsafe in their communities out of neighbourhood roadways. This addressed the inequity many school zones faced in the lower city in comparison to other, more economically secure areas of the city, that never have had to contend with walking to school while a semi-truck whizzed by creating a harsh and hostile environment.

I worked with survivors and their supporters to declare gender-based and intimate partner violence an epidemic in Hamilton, giving voice to safety concerns women and gender diverse people face. This has resulted in better funding for support services in urban and rural neighbourhoods to help address needs.

I have also focused on addressing needs in Ward 3 neighbourhoods that have experienced historic underfunding of municipal investment as it relates to roads, parks and other infrastructure, specifically north of Main St. This is an example of equity based capital investment.

I guess you can say that equity, inclusion and accessibility is embedded into all of my work and I believe our city shines with more love and respect as a result.

2. Community engagement is a cornerstone of your approach. How do you ensure that residents are actively involved in decision-making processes, and can you share examples of successful community-led initiatives?

Direct and regular resident and community engagement is a cornerstone of democracy that every elected representative needs to integrate into how we do our work as it relates to governance and responding to emerging/historic needs in our areas.

I hold an annual town hall meeting and at least 12 pop-up office hour sessions each year throughout Ward 3 ensuring to make myself and my office team available to residents in every neighbourhood. 

I publish a regular e-newsletter after each Council meeting and an annual Impact Report to ensure

With Paul Berton

We’re pleased to welcome Paul Berton as a guest on The Hamiltonian. A respected voice in Canadian journalism and longtime friend of The Hamiltonian, Paul brings a wealth of insight and experience to the media landscape. As former Editor-in-Chief of The Hamilton Spectator and The London Free Press, Paul has not only witnessed but helped shape the evolving trends in media. Enjoy our chat with Paul.

In the shift from print to digital, what do you think mainstream outlets gained—and what have they lost? 

We gain casual readers, but lose dedicated readers, those who had a newspaper “habit” -- they need to find that newspaper on their doorstep every morning, and read it cover to cover. Digital readers pick and choose what to read from a variety of sources. There is a lot of competition for their attention, and their habits change quickly. Advertisers, meanwhile, are abandoning traditional news sources for social media or Google, where their money doesn’t just leave the community, it leaves the country. Still, I believe the pendulum is swinging back to where digital readers are returning to just one or a few outlets they can trust.

How has the rise of social media changed the relationship between news organizations and their audiences? 

It’s more of a conversation rather than a lecture. So that’s good. But misinformation and disinformation have run rampant. Too many people do not scrutinize what they hear and see, tend to believe unbelievable things, and do not grasp the lengths to which legacy media go to confirm information, check facts, and reduce bias – it’s key to our reputation as trusted news providers. Some readers even accuse us of withholding information they believe is true because they’ve seen it on social media, but we won’t publish anything until we can verify it. Beyond that, social media seems to have encouraged a lot more anger, outrage and downright nastiness. It’s unfortunate.

Do you believe the core principles of journalism—such as objectivity, accuracy, and accountability—are still intact in today’s media landscape? Why or why not?

I think they are as intact as ever, although it may not seem that way sometimes. For reasons of politics and profit, there have always been bad actors. William Randolph Hearst is blamed/credited with inventing yellow journalism a century ago. Janet Cooke, Jason Blair and Stephen Glass are famous for making things up decades ago. Rupert Murdoch’s News Of The World closed after the appalling phone-hacking scandal more recently. But running through it all has been a commitment by other outlets to report the news responsibly and objectively for the benefit of all.

Fake News- it’s a relatively new term that is being thrown about quite often. Can you talk about the fake news phenomenon and how it may impact real news?

Resolving the Water Strike: The Case for Pragmatic Flexibility

The Hamiltonian's View

The ongoing strike between the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA), now entering its second month, presents a test of municipal labour relations. At issue is a classic tension between maintaining pattern bargaining — which ensures consistency across the City’s unionized workforce — and recognizing the unique circumstances of a small but highly skilled group of workers.

The City has followed a consistent wage settlement pattern across eight of its 11 bargaining units, with agreements in place covering over 6,000 workers. The current offer to HOWEA is consistent with that pattern, featuring wage increases in the range of 4.7% per year, faster progression through pay grades, and improved premiums and benefits.

HOWEA, representing just over 50 operators and tradespeople, argues that its members face a historic pay gap relative to similar city employees. More importantly, these workers operate one of Ontario’s only combined water and wastewater systems — requiring four separate Class III certifications. This multi-skilled requirement distinguishes them from peers elsewhere and, in their view, justifies an upward wage adjustment beyond the pattern.

From a labour relations standpoint, both perspectives are valid. Pattern bargaining preserves fiscal discipline and avoids competitive wage demands. However, when clear evidence of skill-based inequities exists — as is arguably the case here — an inflexible application of the pattern risks entrenching unfairness.

A targeted, skills-based wage adjustment for HOWEA members — framed explicitly as compensation for certifications and dual-role responsibilities — would resolve the strike without undermining the integrity of the City’s bargaining framework. This approach would acknowledge the operators’ unique qualifications while signalling to other unions that the pattern remains intact for all but exceptional cases.

Additionally, the fiscal impact is minimal: the union’s proposed adjustment reportedly amounts to less than 0.01% of the City’s annual budget — a fraction of the potential costs of prolonged disruption or future recruitment and retention challenges in this critical service area.

Ultimately, public sector bargaining requires more than adherence to formulas. It demands the pragmatism to address real-world disparities where they exist. A narrow exception here —supported by clear public communication and prudent political leadership — would serve the broader public interest: a stable, well-staffed water system operated by motivated employees.

The elements for a settlement are present. The time has come for both sides to exercise flexibility, close the gap, and move forward. The public deserves no less.

Water Fight- Screen Shot

In the ongoing dispute between the City of Hamilton and its water workers, the latest development comes in the form of a screen capture.

Greg Hoath, Business Manager of the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA), has provided The Hamiltonian with a screenshot from the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. According to Hoath, the image indicates that the recent water discolouration issue was the result of operator error—contrary to the City’s assertion that the incident was unrelated to the ongoing labour disruption.The screenshot is below:

The following is the explanation of the screen shot, as provided by Mr. Hoath

Explanation of SCADA from our operators.Temperature in the station 30 degrees. Pumps cooking because air locked. Suction pressure 0 kpa. And low level float triggered. The fact that it's 30 degrees in the station proves that it wasn't a planned event

Note from The Hamiltonian: Although it appears Mr. Hoath may have scored a point in this latest exchange, The Hamiltonian strongly encourages both sides (The City and the Union) to get together soon and compromise. The union members deserve proper recognition and compensation. and the City is entitled to be fiscally responsible. Something has to give.

For those of you who want a quick summary of what the issues are, click here.

Water Fight- Hoath Outraged

While the phrase “Water Fight” may offer a clever characterization of the dispute between the City of Hamilton and its water workers, the matter at hand is no laughing matter. It is a serious issue with significant implications for public trust and labour relations.

In response to the City’s official press release, available here we posed two questions to Greg Hoath, Business Manager of IUOE Local 772: 

1. The City’s press release attributes the water quality complaints in Ward 10 to planned maintenance work and emphasizes that these issues were unrelated to the labour disruption. In light of the Ministry’s findings, does HOWEA still maintain that the public was misinformed, and if so, what specific concerns does the union have regarding the City’s public communications or safety protocols during the disruption?

2. Given the Ministry's conclusion that there were no regulatory or safety violations, what outcome or assurance is HOWEA seeking on behalf of its members and the public with respect to how water service issues and emergency plans are communicated and handled during labour disputes?

Mr. Hoath responded as follows: 

We are disappointed in the Ministry of Environment as they have not responded to many of our requests. The Stoney Creek matter, with no water followed by brown water was not planned maintenance. If so, the affected areas would have been notified. We received inside information with screenshot of the SCADA system screen. SCADA is the computer monitoring system. The reservoir ran dry, the pumps ran dry and became air locked, the station overheated and it was operator error.

We remain concerned as all 54 employees are provincially certified and licensed at a high level. Qualifications and experience are unique to the Hamilton facilities. There are over 170 outstations, wastewater collection sites, wells and reservoirs. The work is reactive and with older equipment requires subtle and timely manipulation that only the most experienced operators can manage. Water main breaks occur this time of year when pressures are not properly maintained. Several occurred early on costing taxpayers thousands in unnecessary repairs.

We were essential during crisis like Covid and disposable at contract time, despite managers receiving greater than 30% increases.

Again, this strike is about $300000 in pay equity internal parity with other City employees in water wastewater who require much less certifications. To use an analogy, it would be like telling an RN in a hospital, you should accept a lower rate of pay than an Environmental Aide?

We want to be back at work but the City must recognize this 20 year old inequity and fix it now. Rather than spending millions on an unnecessary labour disruption. As a born and bred Hamiltonian and taxpayer I am outraged.

Media Release: City of Hamilton- Hamilton's Water Quality

Ministry review confirms no issues with City of Hamilton’s water quality and safety

HAMILTON, ON – The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has reviewed information from Hamilton Water regarding water quality complaints in Ward 10 on May 20-21, 2025. The Ministry review found no issues with regulatory compliance or public safety. These findings were communicated to the City on June 13, 2025.

The City appreciates the Ministry taking action to review and provide recommendations that will help inform future operational and emergency planning.

The MECP review stems from public complaints raised about misinformation circulated during the ongoing labour disruption between the City and the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA). The City has been working closely with MECP throughout the labour disruption, ensuring full awareness and approval on all labour disruption contingency planning.
Reports of low water pressure and quality in Ward 10

The City received some reports on May 20-21, 2025, from residents in the Stoney Creek area (Ward 10) about low water pressure and discoloured (cloudy or yellow-brown) water. In total, six low pressure complaints and four water quality complaints were reported. It is important to note that in a city with the population the size of Hamilton, these are considered low numbers.

City Staff responded immediately to these reports by flushing local water mains. The cause of the issue was related to planned work that can cause area-wide pressure changes - in this case, low pressure - and temporary discolouration. The issues are not related to the ongoing labour disruption.

“To all residents in Hamilton: please know that your water remains safe and essential services are being delivered,” said City Manager Marnie Cluckie. “I appreciate the Ministry’s review that validates there is no risk to the quality or safety of drinking water, and that the City continues to meet all regulatory requirements.”

Stay up to date on the labour disruption, including what residents need to know and frequently asked questions, on the City's website at www.hamilton.ca/LabourDisruption. 
Additional Resources:City of Hamilton labour disruption webpage
Council Communication Update: Stoney Creek Water Quality – May 20 and 21, 2025 (Ward 10)

Councillor Cameron Kroetsch Reinstated

The following is a media release issued by Councillor Cameron Kroetsch concerning the investigation conducted by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) related to his suspension.

As readers may recall, The Hamiltonian had previously expressed concern about the prolonged delay in the release of the investigation’s findings. In pursuit of accountability and transparency, we reached out to both the Inspectorate of Policing under the Ministry of the Solicitor General and to Tribunals Ontario. Shortly thereafter, the decision was communicated to the Councillor.

We are publishing Councillor Kroetsch’s statement in full, unedited, in the spirit of open and informed public discourse.

Councillor Cameron Kroetsch Returns to the Police Board

Over a year ago, on March 8, 2024, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission suspended me from the Hamilton Police Service Board. The OCPC did this to investigate a complaint filed by the Board alleging I violated its Code of Conduct.

The OCPC has now closed the investigation and their file on the matter and has reinstated me to the Board. I will be attending this month’s meeting of the Board on June 26.

This was an exhaustive investigation. The OCPC reviewed meeting minutes and emails, watched many hours of meeting videos, and conducted several interviews before reaching their decision. After 15 months, they dismissed the allegations against me stating there was either no evidence to support them or they did not rise to the level of misconduct.

I’d hoped to be able to share the OCPC’s findings with the public at the conclusion of their investigation, but the Executive Chair of Tribunals Ontario has ruled they will not be released to anyone, including myself, or the Board.

I was personally provided with a summary of the findings against me, but I’ve been cautioned not to release them by the Executive Chair. I have, however, been granted permission to share some information at a high level.

Overall, the OCPC found -

There was no evidence to support the complaints filed against me by individual members of the Board.

The motion I put forward regarding Board surpluses at the Audit, Finance and Administration Committee did not constitute misconduct.

The comments I made online, though I was cautioned against making similar comments online in the future, did not constitute misconduct.

My attendance at a rally to support the family of Erixon Kabera did not constitute misconduct.

I took my duties as a member of the Board seriously and I was an active participant in Board meetings and processes.

I consistently promoted transparency, accountability, and better governance, and I was met with resistance from the Board when attempting to do so.

I’m glad this ordeal is over. These complaints, and the subsequent investigation by the OCPC, served to silence my voice as a public representative on the Board for more than a year.

Going forward, I intend to continue to use my time on the Board as a voice for the public. It’s in everyone’s interest to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and good governance and I will not waver in my dedication to those values. I appreciate everyone who has reached out to me, supported me, and offered encouragement and care. I’m especially grateful for the legal support of my lawyer, Wade Poziomka, and fellow Board Member Anjali Menezes.

The work of standing up in the face of injustice is collective, carried by everyone in our community, and a testament to the strength and resilience Hamiltonians are known for.

Our work continues.
Cameron Kroetsch
Ward 2 City Councillor
Hamilton Police Service Board Member