As Union members continue to take a stand in Dublin, Pulaski County deputies and State Police stay close by keeping an eye on the picket line.
First Sgt. Mike Honaker with State Police says “We're here to protect both sides, both the Volvo folks that are working as well as respecting the rights of the picketers who are out here for their cause.”
Both agencies keep an officer at the plant 24 hours a day seven days a week and an additional two to four officers show up at the beginning and the end of the day’s shift to make sure things don’t get out of hand but not everything takes place on the picket line.
According to investigators from around the area, there have been several complaints from non-union members who are still working inside the plant.
At least four cases have been reported of nails left on people’s driveways, one case of a broken windshield, another complaint of sugar poured into a gas tank and several signs have been placed on people’s yards that read “scab lives here”.
So far, no one has been charged and there’s no evidence Union members are behind it.
Honaker says “There was one occasion where it was reported that one of the union folks followed a worker home but again that was addressed and so that doesn't seem to be a continuing problem.”
Officers with the Pulaski Police Department are doing close patrols of people’s homes at their request and First Sgt. Honaker says Volvo has hired a private security firm whose people are screening cars going in and out of the plant and several security people are stationed at the homes of some non union members.
UAW Local 2069 President Lester Hancock says he’s heard about the allegations,
“I can't really say it did or didn't happen, I don't know but we don't encourage that. We don't want to destroy anybody's property or destroy anything that would get anybody in harm's way.” He adds, "I can tell you the community has been real good to us and we sure don't want to put a bad impression on the community and make it look like we're the bad eggs."
A spokesman with Volvo tells WSLS these complaints are unfortunate but will not affect future negotiations. Hancock says a date has not been picked for negotiations to begin and they’re currently looking for a spot to hold the meetings locally.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement