A driver attempting to cross a picket line made light contact with a striking worker at the Cornell entrance to the Corvallis Public Works complex around 8 am on Monday, October 19th.
We’ve obtained videos of the encounter. The vehicle approached quickly, but did stop at the picket line, then inched forward while a picketer remained in its path, making light contact with one person.
A tipster who provided information about the incident described the location as “the Cornell entrance to the public works complex.” “As there was contact made, a report was filed to the Benton County Police Department,” they wrote.
AFSCME Local 2975 released a brief blurb about the incident on their website that alleges the driver was a member of city management and had received a criminal citation.
“Tensions between management and city workers have continued to grow, coming to a head on Monday morning when a member of city management was given a criminal citation for assaulting a picketer who was participating in protected, legal activity, with their vehicle at the Corvallis Public Works compound,” the union wrote.
That description is the union’s account. We have not independently verified that a citation was issued.
Unions often designate “picket captains” or “safety marshals” to help coordinate picketing. AFSCME Local 2975 says on its website that members practiced picket lines with their “picket captains” on October 5th.
It remains unclear who, if anyone, was assigned that role at the Cornell entrance.
Editor’s note: Audio from the video was removed to protect the names of the people picketing and the driver.
This article was written by Jesse Grant, a contributor to The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
More recent stories:
→ Donate
We’ll still keep it ad-free and paywall-free even if you don’t. 100% of donations go to expanding local reporting, giving back to community causes, and minor operating expenses. Read more about our values and mission here.
Do you have a story for The Inquirer? Email: editor@corvallisnow.com
