Navistar Strike Keeping Police Busy
"We're just trying to keep the peace and trying to work with both sides," Mr. Kelly said.
Deputies have been called to the picket line at least 10 times since the strike began Oct. 5, although there have been no arrests. "We've had complaints about them blocking vehicles," the sheriff said. "They can't impede traffic. That's against the law."
He said trucks at the plant have been scratched and had eggs thrown on them. And he said a sheriff's cruiser got a flat tire when it arrived at the picket line and ran over some nails that were in the roadway.
Navistar began moving trucks out of the plant and through the picket line so their customers could have the trucks modified elsewhere.
Charlie Bush, president of United Auto Workers Local 402, said the pickets have been told they cannot impede the trucks. "And I don't think we have," he said.
Navistar spokeswoman Gretchen Rosswurm said the company has worked with law enforcement and union officials to try to ensure everyone's safety.
The strikers picket near a busy, four-lane highway, which also creates a hazard. Last Thursday, a striking worker was killed when he was accidentally struck by a car as he crossed the highway near the picket line.
Talks aimed at resolving the strike and getting the pickets back inside the plant have continued. Ms. Rosswurm said the talks have been "frank and constructive."
Bush said negotiators have resolved all of the major issues except for the matter of paid absences. He said the company wants workers to schedule such absences ahead of time.
About 5,000 workers are employed at Navistar's Springfield-area plants, which make trucks and school buses.
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