City of Hamilton and its workers reach tentative deal

The City of Hamilton has reached a tentative deal with its workers days away from a potential strike, according to a statement fromthe city.

More than 3,200 workers in the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5167 were set to strike Monday,after a "no board" report was filed with the province on Aug. 4, meaning a deal couldn't be reached after months of negotiation.

"Throughout the negotiation process, both the City and CUPE Local 5167 have engaged in open and constructive discussions and reached a deal the City believes is fair to employees and taxpayers," read the city's statement on Saturday.

CBC Hamilton reached out to CUPEfor comment.

The tentative agreement now needs to be ratified by the unionand approved by city council.

"This development of a tentative agreement marks a significant step towards reaching a deal and ensuring the continued delivery of services to our community," read the statement.

Hamilton mayor Andrea Horwathsaid in the statement the reaching of the tentative deal is a testament to the mutual respect that led the negotiations.

"Our employees play a vital role in shaping our city's success, and this agreement reflects our commitment to supporting their contributions while maintaining our commitment to fiscal responsibility," she said.

Some workers the union represents are garbage collectors for the lower city, Dundas, Flamborough and part of Ancaster,pool and parks program staff; bylaw enforcement; municipal child care workers; film permits and development applications.