June 9, 1986 a battle rages on the Gainers picket line
In the summer of 1986 the unionized workers of the Gainers meatpacking plant on 66th street in Edmonton walked off the job. What followed was one of the most violent labour disputes in the history of our city.
One of the most violent labour disputes in Edmonton’s history happened thirty years ago
Thirty years ago, one of the most violent labour disputes in Edmonton's history occured.
It was sparked in the summer of 1986 when the unionized workers of the Gainers meat-packing plant in Edmonton walked off the job.
Plant managers hired replacement workers to keep the operation going, but were met with violent opposition.
As tensions mounted Edmonton police, in full riot gear, acted as security guards trying to keep the peace but failed.
Steve Andrusiak captured graphic footage of the clash in this Newsday report from June 9, 1986.
It remains in the minds of many long-time Edmontonians as they drive by what was then the Gainers meatpacking plant on 66th street.