FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 21, 2000

OPSEU wins injunction against Salvation Army

LONDON - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 153, on strike since Dec. 14, has won an interim injunction against Salvation Army Community Living London and its security firm.

Under the terms of the interim order, handed down Friday afternoon by Mr. Justice D. R. McDermid of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Salvation Army and its agents must cease unlawful surveillance and interception of private communication with union members on the picket lines. They must also cease using intimidation, threats, coercion and force to prevent lawful picketing.

"We were horrified that an organization with the reputation of the Salvation Army would allow these actions in its name in the first place," said OPSEU staff representative Carol Warner.

"And we were stunned that we would have to go to court for an injunction to force them to stop harassing women," she said. "This entire dispute has been an eye-opener."

OPSEU sought the injunction because the employer has been using video and audio tape to monitor legal peaceful picket lines.

Security staff, employed by Event Security And Investigation Specialists, have moved right up to picketers, thrusting cameras in their faces. Security staff have also used sexist and offensive language against members on the picket lines, 95 per cent of whom are women.

Incidents have involved violence against picketers, including a guard driving into the picket line while exiting the property, forcing the women onto Dundas Street during rush hour. The security staff have also tried to provoke incidents which would require calling the police.

The interim order also prohibits interfering in private conversations, or obstructing, intimidating and invading the privacy of picketers through force, threats, and illegal surveillance.

A full hearing on the issues around the injunction is scheduled for Feb. 2.

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