April 12, 2006

Day 5 Ekati Strike

In Yellowknife, on Tuesday April 11, 8 PSAC activists led by Don Dudar and Les Buss entered the offices of Procon in Yellowknife and occupied them. Procon is a contractor for BHP Billiton. It was reported its employees were doing struck work at the Ekati mine. The activists demanded to speak with a senior representative of Procon. The press and local RCMP arrived; the RCMP asked them to leave and they refused. The RCMP officers were able to find a number for Procon and the activists called to one of their VPs. The message was simple: no more scabbing our members work, we want written assurances to that effect, and if this is not forthcoming ASAP we will be back to every office or work location they have in Canada. If we have to occupy another office or place or work, it will be for a long time. The activists received the assurances they were seeking and they left the building peacefully.

There was also an early picket line at Braden Burry Expediting in Yellowknife in order to monitor, and to prevent if necessary, shipments of goods and personnel to the mine. Picket line also went up in front of BHP Billiton in Yellowknife

In Hay River , the Diamond Workers' Community Rally and BBQ was well attended by the residents. Loud honks of support accompanied the chants that the striking workers and their supporters were singing. Hay River residents demonstrated their support for PSAC members and signed petitions asking all levels of government to protect the communities in the Northwest Territories and to urge BHP to go the table and to negotiate a deal.

At the Edmonton International Airport PSAC members had a very effective picket line early in the morning. They were set up and ready to go by 4:45 and done by 7:00 . They had an opportunity to talk to many different workers from various contractors. Employees from Fresh Air Rays, Transwest, and Procon all said that they will not do struck work. One brother from IAMAW working for Finning had driven from Calgary to the Edmonton Airport to board a plane to Yellowknife and from there another plane to the mine. He talked to PSAC members and decided that turn around and to go back home!