April 12, 2006

Day 4 EKATI STRIKE
Freezing rain, snow and sleet did not stop PSAC picket lines

On the picket line on Day 4 in Yellowknife , the workers had to endure rain, freezing rain and snow in the morning. However, the spirits were high and as the day progressed, the temperature got slightly better and sisters and brothers from other unions paid a visit.

First, some members of the Canadian Media Guild working for CBC-North visited the picket line; they brought coffee and donuts and reminisced with the PSAC members about the recent lock-out at the CBC. During the lockout, PSAC members had provided the CBC employees with support and expertise. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers also sent a delegation to walk the line with PSAC members.

Brendan Bell, a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the Northwest Territories , also joined the picket line with the members.

On the line in front of Braden Burry Expediting, local businesses provided sanitation equipment, food and drinks.

A picket line was also set up in front of BHP's headquarters in the Precambrian building. The driver of a delivery truck driver bringing goods to BHP decided not to cross the picket line. We are told the BHP's headquarters cannot photocopy documents any more.

In Hay River , members started out in full force but the weather made it difficult to get their petitions signed. The rain and the wet snow damaged the papers and most people did not want to get out of their vehicles for any length of time. The members finally rallied and had a strategy meeting with the strike captain and Area Co-ordinator Anne Juneau. They made new signs for the Information Picket they will have from 6:00 a.m. to 10:a.m. at the airport on Wednesday morning.

The info line installed at the PSAC office in Yellowknife rings constantly. Members and their families are phoning to ask information about the picket line, strike pay etc, and we receive many tips about BHP. Keep them coming.

Many thanks you to
Yellowknife Chrysler
Brendan Bell, MLA
Northern Funeral Services
Canadian Media Guild
Canadian Union of Postal Workers