For students and the larger Hamilton community, the HSR bus strike has created devastating financial and social losses that will be difficult to recover from
On Thursday, Nov. 9, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107 officially began a legal service strike, suspending all HSR bus services indefinitely.
As over 900 transit workers hit the picket lines to demand wage increases, thousands of Hamilton residents were left scrambling to make other travel arrangements.
In Hamilton, about four out of 10 residents rely on HSR bus services daily. Students, seniors, families, low-income households, individuals with disabilities as well as others experienced the challenges of travelling in the city without access to public busses.
In Hamilton, about four out of 10 residents rely on HSR bus services daily. Students, seniors, families, low-income households, individuals with disabilities as well as others experienced the challenges of travelling in the city without access to public busses.
For students, especially those living further from campus, commuting to classes this past week became increasingly difficult. Not everyone was able to secure access to a vehicle or carpool with friends. And students, who are already pressed for time and money, couldn't necessarily afford to solely use other modes of transportation such as taxis or rideshare services that charge a rather significant fee per ride. Cycling and walking were also not viable options for students depending on the distance, weather, and accessibility.
Without bussing available, students lack financially sustainable and feasible commuting options. And the same goes for the larger Hamilton community.
However, for Hamilton residents, the HSR bus strike means more than just a lack of transportation. The bus strike means being unable to meet commitments such as classes, work, doctor’s appointments, visiting family and friends, buying groceries or medications and other essential or meaningful activities.
The consequences of the HSR bus strike run deep, hurting the most vulnerable communities in our city. More importantly, the challenges brought upon by the strike will persist, despite the end of the strike.
Students, for one, had to go to great lengths to make it to class, losing more time and money in the process. Those who had no accessible means of getting to campus were forced to fall behind in classes and miss out on work as well as other commitments. While these losses can’t easily be measured in dollars, absence from classes can lead to a decline in academic performance.
Balancing several classes together is a challenge, and having to catch up on days of missed classes only exacerbates the stress and anxiety students experience. With midterm season in full swing and exams approaching, student wellness is already at risk. However, the lack of certainty around getting to campus this past week inevitably cost some students their grades and well-being.
Beyond the student population, the HSR bus strike has had ramifications for many other Hamiltonians. For instance, individuals from low-income households, who work days on end and survive paycheck-to-paycheck simply could not afford to miss hours of work. Instead, they were left to choose between taking hours-long walks in the cold weather in order to put food on the table for their families or losing their jobs, possibly pushing some into poverty.
Individuals who are unable to walk long distances, such as seniors or individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities, had to spend their savings on cabs or Ubers, instead of their rent, food, or other necessities. And for those living on a fixed income, visiting loved ones, attending important medical appointments that were booked months in advance and accessing food banks or purchasing groceries, has been impossible.
Students and other community members were forced to make difficult choices in light of the strike and the consequences are clear – the labour disruption will leave a dent in their wallets and well-being.
Students and other community members were forced to make difficult choices in light of the strike and the consequences are clear – the labour disruption will leave a dent in their wallets and well-being.
Although the city has reached a tentative agreement with Hamilton transit workers, the ATU strike is a reminder of the vitally important role our transit workers play in the functioning of our city.
With all the commuting chaos and challenges, we need to recognize the fact that the thousands of individuals using the bussing system actually rely on these services. They don't take multiple buses to get to their destinations for the sake of it. They catch bus after bus because they have to, because bussing is their only option.
The bottom line is even though the strike is over, it isn't truly over – not for students, not for seniors and not for individuals with disabilities or low-income families. The strike has disproportionately hurt Hamilton’s most vulnerable, and these communities will be helplessly left to recover from the consequences long after services resume.
Hamilton Street Railway workers have announced a strike and will halt bus services beginning Thursday, Nov. 9.
On Nov. 5, 2023, the Amalgameted Transit Union Local 107 provided a 72-hour notice alerting Hamiltonians of a legal service strike commencing Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023.
Since the expiration of ATU Local 107's Collective Agreement in late 2022, the city of Hamilton and the transit union have met at the bargaining table for a new contract. The vote on the city's final offer for ATU Local 107 employees, including Hamilton Street Railway bus drivers and staff, was held the morning of Nov. 5.
The union voted against accepting the offer. HSR buses and myRide on demand service will cease on Thursday, Nov. 9 at the start of the service day.
HSR buses and myRide on demand service will cease on Thursday, Nov. 9 at the start of the service day.
A pamphlet being distributed by HSR operators to Hamilton citizens states that ATU Local 107 members will be striking due to the city's failure to offer fair wages that are reflective of the escalating housing, food and fuel markets.
"After losing real wages of more than 7% due to inflation over the last 4 years, our members have made it clear that we can't afford to continue down this road." said a statement from ATU Local 107.
The statement also urges city councillors to negotiate further for a fair deal to keep HSR service going.
This is an ongoing story, and updates will be posted at The Silhouette as more information is released.
Dina Fanara
Assistant News Editor
Students trying to get to and from McMaster may have a hassle on their hands.
Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) workers may begin striking on Jan. 30 after Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 107 voted 94 per cent to strike on Jan. 15.
The HSR workers, under the ATU Local 107, have been in negotiations with the City of Hamilton for a three-year contract. Despite over a year of negotiation, an agreement has not been reached, during which time, HSR workers have been on the job without a contract.
Some demands made by ATU Local 107 include annual hourly pay increases for the next three years, changes to overtime pay for part-time workers and increased vacation allowance based on years of service. a
A Jan. 24 offer by the City was rejected by the union. If negotiations fall through, over 600 employees will strike.
