Yellowknife (Apr 10/06) - While BHP Billiton has vowed to keep the Ekati diamond mine in operation, Jean-Francois Des Lauriers, regional executive vice president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada said strikers will block any replacement workers who might try to cross picket lines.

By mid afternoon Friday, he said there was no movement of replacement workers near the picket line at BBE Ltd. on McMillan Street.

In a news release, RCMP Sgt. Francis Cullen pledged to monitor the strike and get involved "to ensure the safety of persons or the security of property."

Cullen said there were no reports of trouble on the picket line Friday.