The board of directors and staff of Environment Hamilton extend our support to the striking workers of IUOE Local 722. This relatively small group of workers provide a vital service to not only the residents of Hamilton, but our shared environment. It’s imperative, especially as the impacts of climate change are increasingly experienced to a greater degree that the City of Hamilton has an adequately compensated workforce overseeing the safety of our water.

As many in the community have already pointed out, these Hamilton workers have wages below other cities. It is vital that the City of Hamilton can continue recruiting and retaining the top talent for such an important aspect of City operations. This is an issue of fairness for workers, but also for the safety and peace of mind of the entire City. People rely on clean water coming into their homes and dirty water staying out of our local waterways and Lake Ontario.

It is in the best interest of all Hamiltonians to join the call in demanding the City of Hamilton bargain in good faith and ensure a good deal for workers that will benefit all of us.

Environment Hamilton stands in solidarity with IUOE Local 722.

• Environment Hamilton Board of Directors and Staff