International closes plant in Chatham

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CHATHAM, Ont. — The International truck plant here has been closed since Tuesday, after an incident on Monday.

Six members of the striking Canadian Auto Workers union were struck by a van driven by security guards outside the facility. It was not known if the plant would remain closed, the Star said.

International spokesman Roy Wiley told local media no temporary workers were brought in Tuesday and that future decisions about their use were being made on a “day-to-day” basis.

Monday morning, a van struck and injured three members of the CAW picket line. One striker was critically injured and had to be airlifted to the hospital for emergency surgery to reconnect his pelvis, repair some soft tissue damage and control internal bleeding.

The strike, which began June 1, became more heated when management decided to keep the plant running with scab workers. Reports indicate that a total of 12 trucks have been produced since the strike began, compared to a normal production rate of 39 a day.

International has threatened to close the plant if workers refuse to accept pay cuts.

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