Union members storm Sydney River Bridge construction site
Work stalled on the Sydney River bridge, as unionized members remove out of province workers
Union protesters who say they're upset over the hiring of non-union workers from New Brunswick at the Sydney River Bridge construction site have stormed the site, attempting to remove the out-of-province workers.
About 100 protesters began blocking the entrance to the site Tuesday morning, stalling work.
New Brunswick company Caldwell and Ross Ltd. was awarded the $12.6 million contract to replace the bridge back in July.
Protesters say Caldwell and Ross Ltd. are using non-unionized workers from New Brunswick.
CBC reporter Joan Weeks is on the scene. She said there has been lots of yelling but no violence. She said police are observing for the most part but have escorted a few of the protesters off the site.
At around 11:30 a.m., protesters surged across the construction site toward a crane. The out of province operator then left the crane.
Most of the protesters are union members, the majority are from the Labourers' International Union 1115. Other construction unions have also come out to show their support.
Several protesters told CBC that it makes no sense for them to go out west to work when there is work available in Cape Breton.
All work on the site has been shut down. Police remain on the scene.
A representative of Caldwell and Ross Ltd. is on site but has declined comment.
The work on the Sydney River bridge is expected to be complete by December 2014.