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(Updated) There is no HSR strike in Hamilton.

A deal between Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107 and the city was reached at 5 o’clock this morning. CHCH News spoke with the Eric Tuck, president of the local, right after the deal was made. He said this was the toughest bargaining he has ever been apart of.

“Am I happy with it? No. Do I wish there was more? Absolutely, but at the end of the day I think it’s the best agreement we are going to get. ”

The details of the tentative agreement can’t be released. We do know the union proposed a one-year contract because drivers are tired of negotiating around election schedules. However, the city refused.

HSR drivers currently earn $20 to $30 per hour while bus drivers in other cities receive a 2 per cent annual increase. Council and the transit union will have ratification votes next week and if accepted the deal will be made public.

“We will pitch it as the best deal possible and I believe it will be signed off on”. Tuck says their customers, the passengers, always come first and they succeeded in avoiding a strike today.

Tens of thousands of Hamiltonians rely on the HSR every day to get to school and to work and bus riders were thrilled to catch the bus this morning.

“We’re very thankful that it’s been averted.”
“Fantastic, even though the weather’s terrible. This is great news”.
“It gets me to work, so that’s good. That’s all I was worried about was getting to work.”

Eric Tuck says if the members of the union disagree with the tentative agreement it’s back to the bargaining table and there could potentially be a strike. However, Tuck is confident the union will accept the deal made this morning.