RCMP investigate aggressive behaviour on CUPE picket line

PENTICTON – A manager of the Naramata Centre allegedly displayed aggressive and threatening behaviour on the picket line Monday night where CUPE workers have been picketing for months.

RCMP have been notified of a damaged tent and the manager’s aggressive behaviour. RCMP are reportedly investigating the matter, CUPE B.C. Secretary Treasurer Paul Faoro said.

“The safety of our members and their families and supporters on the picket line is paramount and we will do whatever it takes to legally protect them,” Faoro said.

Management tensions have risen during the three-month labour dispute, CUPE said. The Naramata Centre continues to push, contracting out the jobs of local long-term employees in an effort to deal with financial issues.

“No one should be afraid to exercise their legal right to strike,” CUPE National President Paul Moist said, adding an atmosphere of fear is especially troubling at a facility owned by the United Church of Canada.

CUPE will be seeking reassurances from the United Church (Naramata Centre) that its 627,000 members across the country will be safe from threats and harassment on a picket line, he said.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.