|
Updated: 7:19 PM Oct 23, 2008
Police escort needed at Eddy Commons construction site
Picket line forms at Eddy Street Commons Some non-union workers needed a police escort to enter the Eddy Street Commons construction site near Notre Dame Thursday.
Posted: 6:19 PM Oct 23, 2008Reporter: Mark Peterson Email Address: mpeterson@wndu.com |
|
Some non-union workers needed a police escort to enter the Eddy Street Commons construction site near Notre Dame Thursday.
“You had a few (police) officers that were, I think, kind of ready to take us to jail,” said Robert Kara, President of the Ironworkers local 292 in South Bend.
A group of union ironworkers formed a picket line early Thursday morning.
The picketers say they refused to move when two trucks full of non union workers approached around eight a.m. “So they backed up (and) left for quite a while,” said Dustin Green of Ironworkers local 292.
Around noon, the non-union workers returned along with police.
“When they opened the gate for Lamar (Construction),” said Green, “I walked inside the job site and continued to hold the line and the police, M. Grant, pushed me out of the way.”
When asked how close some union members came to getting arrested, the union president said, “It came pretty close.”
Robert Kara added, “certainly we feel strong about our issue, myself and some of our members aren’t afraid to go to jail for something we believe in.”
While work on the site did not stop, it did appear to slow considerably.
Later in the day, the picketers were reluctant to move for two semi trucks that were trying to deliver structural steel to the site. Eventually the trucks did gain entrance, by inching their way past the picketers and the gates.
“Together we can stand up to moneyed interests, together we can stand up to the people who say you guys don't need a living wage,” said Green.
The ironworkers say they’ll stay on the picket line until the non union workers leave the job site.
“We can’t work next to a rat company” said ironworker Desireia Latoya Liggins.
The union workers are involved in the Eddy Street Commons project. They are building the city parking garage.
The non-union workers are said to be working on a building next door to the garage.
| WNDU News Poll |
| There are currently no active polls at this time. Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results. |
- Young girls walk in on four people having sex in restaurant bathroom
- UPDATE: Seven kids in one family badly hurt in car crash
- UPDATE: Candlelight vigil held Monday night for slain Niles couple
- Dowagiac man admits killing close friend
- Penn High School coach arrested for vandalizing ex-girlfriend's home
- As Seen on TV: Twin Draft Guard
- UPDATE: Four minors flown to Kalamazoo hospital after crash
- UPDATE: Stolen dog returned to grateful couple
- Mike Hoffman's Winter Weather Prediction for 2009-2010
- Michiana doctors lend helping hand in Haiti
- Penn High School coach arrested for vandalizing ex-girlfriend's home
48 Comments - South Bend officer involved in car accident
43 Comments - UPDATE: Seven kids in one family badly hurt in car crash
36 Comments - Brees, Saints top Manning, Colts to win Super Bowl
24 Comments - Neighbors react to Niles double homicide
23 Comments - Congressman Donnelly meets with AM General workers
19 Comments










