The City of Hamilton is seeking a formal no-board notice from the Minister of Labour following months of negotiations with the union representing city bus drivers.

The no-board notice would mean that there would not be a board of conciliation appointed in the negotiations between the City and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).

If issued by Ontario’s Minister of Labour, the notice would trigger a 17-day notice where the ATU would be in a strike position and the City would be in a position to issue a lock-out notice.

The City of Hamilton will seek a formal no-board notice from the Minister of Labour in negotiations with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).

Release >> https://t.co/KwKHKbkxZa

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) September 20, 2023

Though possible through the notice, neither of these actions would be immediately triggered.

READ MORE: Hamilton bus drivers vote in favour of strike mandate

The City says they have filed for a no-board in hopes of “expediting an agreement” and that they remain committed to reaching a negotiated settlement.

The City and ATU Local 107 have held 23 separate negotiating dates since negotiations began in February of this year.

The union’s 850 members voted 99 per cent in favour of striking in a vote held back in August.

This wouldn’t be the first time a no-board notice has been issued in talks between the City and ATU. Negotiations in 2019 saw the notice be issued after 10 months of bargaining failed to reach a deal between the two.

The previous no board notice led to a strike being averted and a deal being reached ahead of the end of the 17-day deadline.

READ MORE: No strike Monday as City of Hamilton, unionized workers reach tentative agreement