LIMA — Negotiations between Husky Energy Inc. and the United Steel Workers union were postponed this week after reports of vandalism against employees who crossed a strike picket line. Talks were scheduled for today and Thursday, but Husky canceled them. Spokesman Mel Duvall said it's “up in the air” as to when they will begin again.

Vandalism cancels talks between Husky, union

June 18, 2012
Heather Rutz
http://www.limaohio.com/news/husky-84927-union-employees.html

LIMA — Negotiations between Husky Energy Inc. and the United Steel Workers union were postponed this week after reports of vandalism against employees who crossed a strike picket line.

Talks were scheduled for today and Thursday, but Husky canceled them. Spokesman Mel Duvall said it's “up in the air” as to when they will begin again.

A refinery employee's vehicle was spray painted over the weekend with the word “scab,” according to the Shawnee Township Police Department.

That employee and another employee also found nails scattered in their driveways, Duvall said.

Husky will continue to bargain in good faith, Duvall said, but added acts such as this “harm the process.”

“We are disappointed such actions would be taken against employees and their families,” Duvall said. “These are acts of crime and an attack on the community's values. It is not appropriate for us to speculate on who is responsible for the crime, however, we understand police have a number of leads.”

United Steel Workers union Local 624's 240 members have been on strike since May 25 over issues of safety, working conditions and use of personal time. Union President Mike Edelbrock said he's not aware of who might have committed the crimes.

“We don't like it and we don't condone it and we will reinforce that with employees,” Edelbrock said. “I think they [Husky officials] just want to label us as a problem and use it to shut down negotiations and a ploy to not talk.”

The union sent letters to employees reinforcing proper, legal behavior through the strike and sent a letter to Husky requesting to go back to the bargaining table, Edelbrock said.

Edelbrock also said union members on strike have honored the agreements about behavior on the picket line.