:: rawblogXport ::

:: Friday, May 14, 2004 ::

Crane operators continue strike CBC Manitoba
WINNIPEG - Construction is still being delayed on some major projects in Winnipeg as members of the Operating Engineers of Manitoba continue their week-long strike.

Over the past week, union members have picketed several construction sites, including the MTS Centre downtown and the Health Sciences Centre.

Workers on the sites belong to several different unions. Union business manager Jim Murphy says until Wednesday, most other workers were honouring the picket lines. Now, however, he's heard some mechanical workers have started to cross picket lines at both locations.

"We get reports from workers who actually have to go and cross the picket lines because their employers are threatening them, that the morale is not good on the inside and productivity is down and things like that," he says.

Labourers and carpenters also cross the picket lines, he says, because they work directly for the contractor.

Murphy says rumours have been circulating that replacement workers will be brought in to take down two tower cranes at the Health Sciences Centre this weekend.

posted 6:42 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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