Council ratifies collective agreement with Hamilton water workers

Hamilton city council ratified a four-year collective agreement for more than 50 water workers Wednesday after eight weeks of protests.

The council voted unanimously to ratify the collective agreement for the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA) bargaining unit, following the group’s ratification last week.

Hamilton Water Treatment Plant workers had voted 78 per cent in favour of a deal to bring an end to the nearly eight-week long strike.

HOWEA represents 55 people who work at Hamilton Water, and there are around 371 Hamilton Water employees in total – made up of both union and non-union positions.

The four-year agreement will cover Jan 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2028.

The agreement will help address the increased cost of living for employees, keeping in line with Hamilton’s other Collective Agreements, and ensure the continued delivery of critical water, wastewater, and stormwater services to the community.

“I want to thank residents for their patience and understanding throughout the labour disruption.” said Hamilton mayor Andrea Horwath in a press release. “I am proud that we were able to come together and reach a fair agreement for our employees while providing value to Hamiltonians.”

“On behalf of the City, I am so pleased that an agreement has been reached,” said Marnie Cluckie, Hamilton’s city manager. “This agreement allows us [to] focus on continuing to deliver city services, and I know our community will be relieved that we are back to business as usual.”

WATCH MORE: Hamilton water workers vote in favour of deal with city to end 8-week strike