Tensions are rising locally as Ontario's college strike enters its fourth week.
A Lambton College picketer was struck walking the line Monday morning.
Instructor Mark Russell is urging the public to be patient while using the London Rd. or Wellington St. entrances.
"A car approached the picket line, and one of the picketers went up to the window to talk to the driver and ask him if he was familiar with our issues," says Russell. "The driver rolled down the window and started yelling that us 'a-holes' should get out of his way. While he was talking to the one picketer, the driver hit the gas, pointed his wheels at us, and drove right through the line. A couple of us were able to get out of the way, but I wasn't so lucky. He ran over my foot and into my leg and kept right on going."
Russell wasn't seriously hurt because he was wearing steel toed boots. Earlier in the strike, Sarnia police had reported similar incidents.
Roughly 12,000 college instructors, counselors, and librarians walked off the job on October 16, cancelling classes for more than half a million students.
Job security has been the key bargaining issue for the union. It has been seeking a 50/50 split of full time and contract positions and an increased role in academic decision-making.
On Monday, the College Employer Council called on OPSEU to vote on a final contract offer after talks broke down.
