City Prepares for Potential Labour Disruption / Strike in Water Services

The City of Hamilton is preparing for a possible labour disruption as negotiations continue with the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA).

HOWEA represents 55 specialized employees within Hamilton Water, including Water and Wastewater Operators, Millwrights, Electricians, and Instrumentation and Control Technicians.

The City has been in active negotiations with HOWEA since December 2024. On April 27, 2025, the Ministry of Immigration, Training and Skills Development issued a no-board report, placing both parties in a legal strike or lockout position as of 12:01 a.m. on May 14, 2025.

What Residents Need to Know:

• Water and Wastewater Services Will Continue

  • The City has contingency plans in place to ensure critical operations continue without interruption. Drinking water quality and wastewater treatment will remain fully operational and compliant with all regulatory requirements.

• Water Testing and Well Maintenance Ongoing

  • Routine water monitoring, testing, and well maintenance will continue as scheduled.

• Hamilton Water Storefront Remains Open

  • Essential services such as permit sales, appointment scheduling, and ticket sales for water trucks and waste haulers will continue at 330 Wentworth Street, both in person and by phone (credit card required for phone transactions).

• Temporary Change for Waste Haulers

  • Waste Haulers will be redirected from the Woodward Avenue site to the Upper Ottawa Waste Transfer Station during any disruption.

This situation continues to evolve. The City remains committed to maintaining essential water services and will provide updates as negotiations progress.