Port seeks injunction to kick pickets off lift bridge

The attorney general has approved an application by the Hamilton Port Authority to force protesting steel workers off the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge.

There will be a hearing Thursday at the John Sopinka Courthouse where the judge will hear the application. If it’s approved, United Steelworkers or any supporters cannot protest on the bridge. They have been on and off it since April and have refused to get off of it since last week. Anyone defying the order would be arrested.

There are a few reasons why the attorney general has approved this application to be heard. Public Works Canada has a legal duty to lift the bridge whenever a vessel is approaching. As well, the bridge is the only access into and out of the port of Hamilton and is a major artery for commercial trade.

The port authority says the pickets’ actions are having irreparable damage to its international reputation.

It’s not clear when the judge will rule on this cease and desist application, but the major argument to be heard from the attorney general will likely be that if there isn’t a permanent injunction, local 1005 will continue to protest on the bridge for an indefinite period of time.