Article content continued

https://twitter.com/Vpilieci/status/665191987512016900?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

The protesters then barred the doors and covered the windows with newspapers and covered or broke any cameras they could find, according to the staff. They then destroyed as many computer terminals as they could by tearing the wiring out of the back of them. One window was smashed inside the front door.

Unifor president Jerry Dias said that the shutdown of the dispatch system was planned but the union didn’t condone violence. Dias said union members “asked dispatchers” to leave so they could “attract attention” by shutting down dispatch. Dias said he knew nothing of about the covering cameras, alleged assault or apparent storming of the building.

“Desperate people do desperate things,” Dias said. “And when you inflict that type of economic harm on 250 families, people get desperate.”

Two people complained of minor injuries, according to Coventry staff.

https://twitter.com/Vpilieci/status/665191490046590976?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

Patni said the attack was disappointing as the dispatcher had been in negotiations with the taxi driver’s union, Unifor, late into the night. The two sides appeared to find a compromise to end a three-month old labour dispute over a new contract with the Ottawa International Airport that has seen fees for picking up fares increased and removed the exclusivity that Airport Taxi branded cabs have had over collecting passengers at the airport.