Ironworkers Local 700 ground construction on the Herb Gray Parkway near Broadway St. to a halt Monday night.
Windsor Police Service says the more than 70 workers blocking entrances claimed it was a "peaceful protest" but police say it was actually an "unsanctioned strike" — officers wound up dispersing the crowd and shut-down the site due to, "safety concerns."
.@WindsorPolice dispersing the crowd saying it’s not a “sanctioned strike.” Police have ordered the site closed for the night due to safety concerns. @AM800News @CTVWindsor #cklw pic.twitter.com/438m2JTe2k
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) January 15, 2019
Union member Don Smith claims Facca Construction is "outsourcing" work.
"These people are doing some iron work that they're probably not qualified for," he says. "We'd like Facca Construction to sit down with our leadership at the union hall and hopefully get some of our guys to work here because we believe we could do a good job for them."
A representative from Facca onsite declined comment but says the company will make an official statement in the coming days.
No word on when work on the overpass will resume or if the union will continue to protest the site.
.@WindsorPolice escort workers off-site due to safety concerns. pic.twitter.com/V3oEQxtK57
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) January 15, 2019