Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Oct 21/05) - Bad feelings created by the ferry labour conflict are of deep concern to Chief Keyna Norwegian, who visited the picket line over the weekend.

"What I witnessed on Saturday was just really disheartening. There were so many angry people out there," Norwegian said. "This thing is splitting the community."

One of the replacement workers had his life threatened after hours, said Owen Rowe, who runs ferry contractor Rowe's Construction in Fort Simpson. He said the incident was reported to police.

RCMP Const. Bruce Rice confirmed that the police are investigating the complaint, but no charges had been laid as of Wednesday morning.

The RCMP is monitoring the ferry site closely, particularly when the replacement workers start and end their shifts.

"It has been, for the most part, peaceful," Rice said.

Rowe was critical of media coverage of the picket line, asserting that what has been reported has been toned down.

"I don't know why the newspapers always leave the gory stuff out that is said," Rowe said.

Norwegian said she knows of people who have put off their travel plans out of respect for the picketing workers. As for those who are crossing the picket line to board the ferry, strike captain Shaun Cli said he's not taking it personally.

"I understand totally... it's a life-line for the community," he said, adding that he and his unionized co-workers only ask motorists to sign a petition.

More than 230 people had signed a petition as of Monday afternoon. The pleas were being forwarded to Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche and Transportation Minister Michael McLeod.

Menicoche said he has called upon the GNWT to appeal the Canada Industrial Relations Board's ruling that the ferry is not an essential service. He noted that he's heard of tempers starting to flare in Fort Simpson and he hopes that people's safety will remain the priority.

Grand Chief Herb Norwegian showed up on the picket line Monday and told the striking ferry crew members that the ferry is "by far" an essential service.

He signed a petition and said that if First Nations in the Deh Cho ever demonstrate against any multi-national corporation, like a pipeline company, Norwegian said he expects the union to stand with them.

At Monday's village council meeting, deputy mayor Bob Hanna insisted that the village send a letter to transportation minister McLeod to "stress the importance of getting this bloody thing settled."

"There's so much uncertainty right now. You don't want to go any place for fear of not getting back," Hanna said.

Coun. Tom Wilson added that without resolution, the labour dispute will be a "festering sore" in the community throughout the winter.