Striking union member struck by car as tensions mount on Western University picket line
The union member was taken to University Hospital by ambulance
A man walking the picket line at Western University was struck by a car Thursday morning, a sign of mounting tensions among London drivers as the strike continues into its third week with no new dates set for the two sides to get together.
"In this particular case, someone decided to run our line and our member was struck. They were taken to University Hospital by ambulance," said Chris Yates, vice-president of CUPE Local 2361, which represents about 330 groundskeepers, caretakers, and tradespeople. They walked off the job on Aug. 30 after talks with the university broke down.
The crash happened at Western Road and the entrance to Elborn College, just north of Sarnia Road, Yates said.
"There are some people who come for appointments and we've made sure that we watch for those people and let them in as quickly and safely as possible," he said. "The amount of time that we're holding cars there, we've reduced it in consultation with the police to a very reasonable amount."
But the striking workers, who limit how many cars can go in and out of campus and certain parking lots along Western Road and Richmond Street, coupled with the university's decision to close the campus to through traffic, have led to traffic backups and frustrated drivers.
"We feel for London drivers," Yates said. "We understand our picketing is an inconvenience for them. It's a major inconvenience for us as well. We try to be respectful and to do things as safely as possible and we are asking people to be patient and respectful to us."
Western officials have said they've closed the campus to through traffic to ensure the safety of staff and community members. "We are sorry to hear of the incident today at the picket line," an official wrote in an email.
"There are no road closures at the entrances to Elborne College. There is currently no indication that this incident is the result of excessive traffic on Western Road, but rather an issue at the picket line."
But Yates said the closure has created more traffic jams and a more dangerous atmosphere. "It's created even more traffic on Western Road and Richmond Street," he said.
CBC News has asked Western University for comment. No new negotiating dates have been set.
London police say roads have re-opened after the collision.