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April 28, 2006 Strike at the Ekati diamond mine
Striking members of BHP Billiton Ekati Diamond Mine are holding strong as the strike approaches its fourth week. Daily information updates are being circulated to the picket lines at Yellowknife , Rae-Edzo, Fort Smith , Hay River and Edmonton , keeping everyone up-to-date and informed. Members who live across the land in isolated locations are finding creative ways to support the strike – some are doing community services, for example. Community events across the North have been well attended: barbeques, information pickets and entertainment. Support remains strong. News media coverage of the strike has been favourable locally and regionally. On the international front there has been very good and fair coverage. BHP Billiton Ekati Mine continues to operate, but with a majority of their workers on the picket line, it remains to be seen how long they can continue. Reports are that many of the contract workers on site are being asked to do bargaining unit work. Many are refusing. PSAC is currently seeking an interim order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board to stop BHP from assigning bargaining unit work to the contractors. PSAC and UNW have systems in place to help individual members who may be addressing financial or personal hardships. PSACNorth and UNW will be kicking up the campaign in the upcoming days. Watch for these initiatives. To follow daily regional updates visit www.unw.ca, www.unwtoday.ca or www.psacnorth.com. |
