Locked-out workers keep watch while residents pile trash
Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (May 21/01) - A controversial plan to re-open Iqaluit's dump Saturday afternoon was side-stepped by city administrators to avoid confrontations between residents and locked-out employees.
Residents were still able to drop off several hundred pounds of garbage at the old dump site, but they did it 400 meters from the gate where unionized workers kept watch.
"We're not wanting to have any incidents or risk public safety," said Rick Butler, senior administrative officer.
People arrived in trucks and snowmobiles piled high with a month's supply of refuse around noon May 19.
Residents and picketing workers exchanged words, but there were no reports of altercations.
"I want to avoid confrontation; my concern is health and safety issues," said Iqaluit resident and mother Natsiq Kango as she dropped off a bag of garbage.
Terry Slaney, one of 85 Nunavut Employees Union members locked out since April 17, dismissed accusations of premeditated confrontations.
Slaney questioned the work being created for the waste operator Darcy Reist once the lock out is over.
"I can't believe they're allowed to do this," she said referring to potential bylaw and environment infractions.
Residents demanded the city re-open the dump for one afternoon following a public meeting organized by Kango a week ago.
Garbage has not been picked up since the April 17 lock-out, raising health concerns.
Kango knows of people storing garbage in porches and bathrooms.
She was pleased with the city's alternative plan Saturday.
Butler said the garbage would then be transported to the dump at a later date. He would not say when.
"If I tell you then there will pickets," he said.
