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NELSON Two locked out city workers were hit on the Public Works yard picketline by a vehicle driven by Nelson city clerk Marla Olson this morning. Half a dozen picketers stood witness to the incidents.

The hit picketers are shaken, but avoided serious physical injury by keeping their distance from the vehicle. Ms. Olsen revved her engine to intimidate the picketers and twice decided to lurch forward into them.

The city clerk was in a crazed state, said CUPE 339 president Bev Lapointe. It began with Marla driving her vehicle aggressively toward our picketline, not giving us a chance to get out of her way.

The first time, she hit CUPE 339 Vice President Bruce Crampton and only moments later hit picketer Karen McDonald. Police reports have been filed.

This is just another example of how city administration just want to get us out of the way - drive right over us. I cant believe Mayor and Council has allowed it to get to this.

I just have a knot in my stomach for Nelson, for ourselves, and this whole situation. Lapointe said.

The city workers have been locked out for 36 days. The city wants to eliminate contract language that protects the public services they provide from being contracted out and privatized.

CUPE 339 represents the city of Nelsons 76 city workers who, prior to the lockout, provided quality public services to the community.

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Contact:
Bev Lapointe, President, CUPE Local 339, (250) 359-2996;
Diane Kalen, CUPE Communications, (778) 229-0258.