2 drivers arrested after workers picketing at Waterloo region airport hit

Two drivers face charges after police say striking regional workers were hit while on a picket outside the Region of Waterloo Airport.

There were no injuries in either case, police say.

The first altercation happened Monday night. Police say a person who was part of the labour dispute by regional workers was hit by a Honda Civic in the Airport Road and Fountain Street North area of Woolwich Township around 7:40 p.m. on Monday.

Police say the driver of the car hit the pedestrian as they were trying to drive past the pickets. The driver was arrested for dangerous driving.

The second case was Tuesday morning at 6 a.m. in the same location. Police say a driver and picketers "engaged in a brief interaction" and one of the people who was picketing was hit by a vehicle.

"The involved vehicle then proceeded past picketers at a high rate of speed," police said. 

A 28-year-old man from Dundas has been charged with stunt driving.

Eric Bell, a communications representative from CUPE Local 1656, confirmed the person hit Monday was a regional worker.

"We can confirm that a member of CUPE Local 1656 was struck by a vehicle while exercising their legal right to picket at the Region of Waterloo Airport yesterday and that police are currently investigating. The member was not seriously injured," Bell said in an emailed statement.

Bell says the strike is leading to some people facing delays "which is understandably frustrating."

Region of Waterloo workers with CUPE Local 1656 went on strike on Monday morning after both sides were unable to come to a contract agreement.

Workers picketed outside the airport Monday morning, allowing one vehicle in at a time and backing up traffic. They held signs that said "fair wages for essential work" and "we keep the region running."

WATCH | Regional workers picket outside airport Monday morning:

Regional workers picket outside airport Monday morning

3 days ago

Duration 1:32

Region of Waterloo workers with CUPE local 1656 went on strike on Monday morning after the union and region were unable to reach a deal on a new contract. The strike includes landfill, roads, airport, waterloo, fleet and building operations workers. Workers picketed outside the Region of Waterloo Monday morning with signs that said "fair wages for essential work" and "we keep the region running."

During the pickets on Monday and Tuesday, traffic was slowed in the area as the line-up of vehicles entering the airport grew and other drivers slowed down to look at the picketing workers.

Police are asking drivers to avoid the area for everyone's safety.