The City of Hamilton and its waste collection workers are trying to resolve some health and safety concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Barry Conway, vice-president of the CUPE 5167 outside workers unit, says about 70 workers took part in a collective work refusal on Monday after learning from public health that the virus could live on garbage cans for up to three days.
Conway says waste collection workers are “happy to play our role” during the health emergency, but he adds that they are worried, “don’t want to catch this virus” and are seeking assurance that they will be safe while doing their jobs.
Conway also stresses that the city has been “responsive”, adding that the union and employer are “working together” to resolve