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EdmontonFROM THE ARCHIVES

June 9, 1986 a battle rages on the Gainers picket line

In the summer of 1986 the unionized workers of the Gainers meatpacking plant on 66th street in Edmonton walked off the job. What followed was one of the most violent labour disputes in the history of our city.

One of the most violent labour disputes in Edmontons history happened thirty years ago

Throwback Thursday: Tensions explode at Gainers strike

8 years ago
Duration 1:35
In this report from June 9, 1986, CBC Edmonton's Steve Andrusiak shows how heated the conflict between picketing Gainers employees and replacement workers had become.

Thirty years ago, one of the most violent labour disputes in Edmonton's history occured.

It was sparkedinthe summer of 1986when the unionized workers of the Gainers meat-packing plantin Edmonton walked off the job.

Plant managers hired replacement workers to keep the operation going, but were met with violent opposition.

As tensions mounted Edmonton police, in full riot gear, acted as security guards trying to keep the peacebut failed.

Steve Andrusiakcapturedgraphic footageof the clash in this Newsday report from June 9, 1986.

It remains in the minds of many long-time Edmontonians as they drive by what was then the Gainers meatpacking plant on 66th street.