Day two – getting stronger

Members tightened the screws in Newfoundland on day two of the strike. Pickets were strong enough to require police escorts for managers and designates on every line in St. John’s.

On PEI, there is 100% participation in the strike. According to National vice-President Donna MacDonald, “Members are pumped – strikers and designates.” This is despite heavy winds and cold rain that have been sweeping through the Atlantic region. Strikers got an unexpected gift in the form of a free breakfast from the local A & W.

In New Brunswick, the weather was no friend to strikers, but they did a great job. At Local 60254 (Bathurst/Acadian Peninsula), designates were allowed through the picket line on an hourly basis only. The process took until 11:00 a.m. to complete. And the local did important work for designates who faced increasing pressure, especially in the EI call centre. According to Local President Robert Hamel, “We negotiated the issue with local management and designates noticed a significant improvement in their treatment.”

A large demonstration was held in Montreal and picket lines were everywhere. Many lines in Montreal and Quebec City required police intervention before they were opened. The union faced an unusual injunction at a large building in Montreal. The building was under renovation and the construction company carrying out the work claimed that the scaffolding represented a danger. In response, the union met with the Quebec Federation of Labour which is working with construction unions involved with the project.

In Ottawa, picket lines were even stronger on the second day of the strike. Members were strategic in their actions as well, holding a large demonstration at Les Terraces de la Chaudiere to bolster lines that had been thinned by the settlement reached at Parks Canada. A bonus for the strike action was the active participation of those who were not involved in the last strike: “It was so encouraging to see them on the picket line this time.” said Local 70704 Vice-president Tony Nicolas.

An interesting exchange took place in Toronto between a determined picket captain and a manager frustrated at the slow movement of designates through the line. The manager told her that he wouldn’t hire her to work for him at any price. When the picket captain questioned his reasoning, the manager replied that she took her job too seriously. Shows what a good work ethic will get you!

At the Greater Toronto Enforcement Centre (CBSA), designates arrived ready for the same routine as the day before. On Tuesday, the last one was allowed through the line at 2:50 p.m. to finish his shift which ended 10 minutes later.

Striking members at the Scarborough Town Centre gave an enthusiastic response to John Cartwright, President of the Toronto and York District Labour Council. Cartwright gave an impassioned speech about the value to society of the work carried out by public sector workers and pledged the support of his council to the PSAC strike.

The employees’ entrance to Pearson airport presented an odd sight as many pickets relaxed in chairs under a sunny sky as cars lined up for over a mile. Police were present with car flashers, bright orange vests and confusing directions that served only to complicate the situation.

In Richmond Hill, pickets held a steady line and a firm conviction to see the strike through. In the words Local 569 President, Paul Soeiro, “I will not lay down my sign, until it’s time.”

Picket lines in Manitoba were strong and morale was high. Members showed cautious optimism about a settlement but little trust was extended to Treasury Board’s intentions. A patient “wait and see” attitude prevailed.

Both Regina and Saskatoon had strong picket lines. Designated members in Saskatoon were allowed through the lines at carefully controlled intervals. In Prince Albert, CEIU pickets were joined by other PSAC members at the HRCC office. Melfort members again drove 96 kilometres to join the line in Prince Albert.

Edmonton members began picketing the Canada Place facility at 6:30 a.m. and were effective. The only cars allowed into the parking area were those carrying designated members with disabilities or other tenants of the building who produced picket passes. Designated members made their way through the lines after a two hour wait. In Vegreville, the picket lines were solid with the last manager finally gaining access at 2:30 p.m. The situation was similar in Lethbridge where strikers got good support from the public.

In BC, strikers kept up solid picket lines as sunny weather continued through most of the province. In the lower mainland, CEIU members at the Hornby Street CIC location were getting lots of “honks” of support from passing vehicles and most clients were respecting the line. Library Square had a large contingent of pickets whose spirits were up despite a flock of managers rubbernecking from their perch on the second floor. The picket lines at the Burnaby HRCC were coping with reckless drivers who were gunning through the line to get into the parkade. Picket captains called in the RCMP and provided pictures and licence numbers. CEIU members at the Harbour Centre were successfully at controlling the entry of designates despite the difficulties of picketing a sprawling site.

From one end of the country to the other, a very good day.