Striking N.L. Dominion store workers suing police for trying to break up picket line

MOUNT PEARL, N.L. — The Dominion stores workers' union in Newfoundland and Labrador says it's suing the police after officers tried to break up its members' picket line last week.© Provided by The Canadian Press

Unifor said today in a news release it is filing notice of civil claim against the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for breach of charter rights, negligence, negligent or wilful misrepresentation and for intimidation.

Last week, police showed up to a worker picket line outside a Weston Foods bakery and allegedly threatened union members with arrest for blocking trucks from leaving the parking lot.

Unifor says its members are back picketing outside the bakery today to show police and the parent company of Dominion stores, Loblaw Companies Ltd, that they won't be intimidated.

Weston Foods is a subsidiary of George Weston Ltd., which also owns the Loblaws stores.

Unifor says last week's picket line was peaceful and lawful, and that police threatened the workers with arrest.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 5, 2020.