Simplot Canada was awarded a court injunction last week that prohibits striking workers from blocking traffic entering or leaving the company’s Brandon, Man., plant.
The injunction, awarded by the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench, went into effect July 16. It also forbids threats or coercion against anyone going to and from the fertilizer plant.
Earlier last week, Simplot alleged there were incidents of abuse, verbal threats and damage to vehicles when contractors for A.N. Resources tried to enter Simplot. A.N. Resources projects are part of an upgrade at the fertilizer plant.
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Picket lines were still in place July 20 at gates leading into the plant. A union representative questioned the need for the injunction. Wayne Moyer, of Local 7184, said striking workers have not been the source of violence or abuse.
“We thought it was a pretty decent picket, pretty respectable, with no violence. All we were doing was stopping people to tell them what our issues are.”
Discussion requested
The union will respect the injunction, Moyer said. He also noted an invitation has been extended to Simplot management to begin talks.
About 190 workers have been on strike at the Brandon plant since July 5. The action began after the United Steelworkers of America union rejected a contract offer from Simplot.
No negotiations have been held since the strike began. The key issues are wages, pension benefits and job security for part-time workers.
The plant continues to be operated by management and staff, said Ed Kokoski, Simplot’s human resources manager. Simplot Canada is continuing to supply its customers, he said.
