Delayed Buses: Striking water workers reportedly blocking Mountain bus depot

Several Hamilton Water employees began picketing in front of Hamilton’s Mountain Transit Centre early Thursday morning, causing delays to public transit.

Eric Tuck, the president of the union that represents employees at the Hamilton Street Railway, told CHCH News that a group of people began picketing in front of the main garage on Upper James Street at 4 a.m.

Tuck said the group is allowing one bus to leave the station every two minutes, but the picket lines have effectively delayed services by about two hours.

Hamilton police are reportedly attending the area, and told him it was a legal strike.

Tuck says they are, “understanding of the strike” and that there is, “nothing they can do, they will just have to ride it out.”

The City of Hamilton posted on X just after 8:30 a.m. addressing the labour disruption, and said the disruption involves the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA).

Service update: some @HSR busses are running late due to labour disruption activity involving the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association at the Mountain Transit Centre. Buses are delayed leaving the garage. Thank you for your patience and please leave extra time for travel.

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) May 29, 2025

The Hamilton Street Railway posted just before 9 a.m. asking for residents to plan extra time for travel as the labour disruption involving the HOWEA continues.

Service update: some buses are running late due to labour disruption activity involving the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association at the Mountain Transit Centre. Buses are delayed leaving the garage. Thank you for your patience and please leave extra time for travel.

— Hamilton Street Railway (@hsr) May 29, 2025

This is a developing news story. More to come.

WATCH MORE: City assures residents water is safe amid ongoing worker strike