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Striking workers watch windows being boarded up at factory

Plywood is placed over windows at Purity Factory on Blackmarsh Road in St. John's today. — Photo by James McLeod/The Telegram

Plywood is placed over windows at Purity Factory on Blackmarsh Road in St. John's today. — Photo by James McLeod/The Telegram

Published on October 29, 2010
Published on October 29, 2010
Topics :
Blackmarsh Road

Striking Purity Factory workers in St. John’s have been a regular fixture in front of the factory on Blackmarsh Road since the strike began, but this morning they were joined by security guards and contractors.

The 52 union workers at Purity Factory have been locked out since early September. There's been no production at the plant during that time.

The contractors today began putting sheets of plywood over the windows — one of the security guards said that several windows had been broken, and the plywood was for protection.

Some of the striking union members, however, said that the combination of security guards and boarded-up windows seemed like an intimidation tactic on the part of management — suggesting that the factory might be permanently shuttered.

However, by and large, on the picket lines workers remained in good spirits. One worker said they’ll be in front of the factory Sunday evening, ready to give out Purity products to any kids who are trick-or-treating in the area.

Comments

  • Username
    WALKED THE LINE
    - November 3, 2010 at 20:35:56

    Well after stopping by on the Purity Factories picket lne this week it saddened me to see what the Employer has done to their employes's.....locking them out in today's society seem's so unfair. After chatting to the crew on the picket line and learning that the majority there are their 30 plus years, Purity has to realize that the company is nothing without their fathful employess....in today's sociiety it is so hard to get decent workers. I was told about many of the conditions at Purity and I only think it is a fair deal they are asking for...100 degree and higher heat and stood on a concret floor 8 hours a day......having to ask to get a drink or go to the bathroom......no pension...no dental.......no sick days...no long term.....it only seems fair they get a raise. Talking to the crew on the picket line this week I've learned that many of the striker's [locked out] crew are working other jobs......Purity better be careful because when this is all said and done half of their employee's may be gone. All I can say Purity Factories lets get your act together and look after your fellow Newfoundlanders......I've noticed that the Purity shelf space is getting smaller in the super markets......you better be careful. Lets get the jam jams on the go.

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  • Username
    DAN LAKE
    - November 1, 2010 at 14:22:26

    COVER EVERYTHING.JAM JAMS,SYRUP.AND PURITY PIES.

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  • Username
    jim o
    - November 1, 2010 at 11:12:46

    No sympathy from me.... GREEDY workers. Wait let me correct, greedy unskilled workers. No education required, making 17 pper hr and they want 1 dollar raise... hope you have a long cold winter. one woman said she had a total of $3 inraises in 20 years and that wasnt fair...... Geeeeze, that means 20 years ago she was making 14 a hour when the min wage was 3.85. GREED

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  • Username
    oh my
    - October 30, 2010 at 10:30:44

    jim bob you need to do your home work -the union isn't milking the workers dry -they don't work for the union -they are the union-wake up by and the management isn't on a 4 month tour because i say douggie in the line up at dominion -even if they wear masks, which they should cover there faces for shame sake. i like to see if anyone else would put up with the bullshit the workers take from management.-if there were no union in this plant -you can forget -sick leave -you'll be well under paid- no leaving the floor to get a drink or go and use the bathroom when needed-under a watch dog's eye- go for it my friend

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  • Username
    joyest
    - October 30, 2010 at 10:01:10

    jim and bob -what planet are you 2 on-are you for real, you 2 need to get your heads of the sand and stick it where the sun don't shine- purity factories isn't going anywhere- doug spurrell and brent paul are no fools when it comes to money but they can't run a busness if they let warrick pinskin do there thinking for them - douggie and brent wake up before you do something stupid-get rid of him before he looses your business. the union isn't going anywhere- the workers are going to do what ever it takes they are strong and they are sticking together

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  • Username
    NL TURF
    - October 30, 2010 at 09:26:11

    How sad!! The owner's of Purity Factories should hang their heads in shame!! Those workers, who have made this local company, very profitable, for many years, are on the street, holding picket signs, with Christmas closing in. Shame,Shame,Shame !!!! Greed and Control of their employees, is at the root of this lockout !! The management of this Company has said squat since the lockout, which leads me to believe, they just don't care about the employees, who have made the big bucks for them, and their shareholders!! Battle on Brothers and Sisters, you will not lose this fight!! P.S. Somehow,Somehow, get the local media more involved. We all work and live in this great city and we should be supporting each other more ,especially in cases like this.

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  • Username
    Jim B
    - October 30, 2010 at 06:51:43

    These workers need to pull their collective heads out of the sand and realize their union is milking them dry. The owner of Purity is on a 4- month round the world tour......he isn't suffering. There are a lot of people who would gladly replace these people inside that plant. I expect to see the place sold and a non-union team take over to run it.

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  • Username
    Mike Sears
    - October 30, 2010 at 03:00:49

    Happy Halloween

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  • Username
    Steve
    - October 30, 2010 at 01:19:06

    Givin' the time of year I can understand the windows being boarded up, the night before Halloween is (in some places) called "Devil's Night". On that particular night all kinds of hijinks happen, including egged houses, broken windows...etc..etc.

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  • Username
    bob
    - October 29, 2010 at 21:45:39

    You guys on picket line are striking in vain. This company is going under & if you want a living you better get back to work as what they are offering is more than a lot of people in nfld/ lab are getting. Start looking for a new job now as purity products are priced out of the market. All the best & for god sake heed this warning

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  • Username
    cathy
    - October 29, 2010 at 18:56:03

    shame ,shame, shame on you doug spurrell and brent paul. what do you be thinking about, 2 of you need to get your head out of your a---. get your plant up and running and get your workers of the street and back to work . they are the backbone behind purity.give them a fair raise so i can get my jam jams

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  • Username
    Jam Jam
    - October 29, 2010 at 18:20:18

    Ahh, to be a Unionized cookie maker. One can only dream.

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  • Username
    Mike
    - October 29, 2010 at 17:21:23

    I think the workers just put themselves out of work for good. Good-by Purity Factories.

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  • Username
    Robert
    - October 29, 2010 at 16:28:45

    Kiss your kisses and fish'n brewis good bye! Over the years I've smelled a lot of very good smells coming from that factory but I don't like the smell today!

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  • Username
    Jim
    - October 29, 2010 at 15:16:08

    Another union looking for more money. Big surprise.

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  • Username
    Donna
    - October 29, 2010 at 13:23:25

    Don't purity managment realize people like the purity products. But don't like what they are doing to their employees and this can do damage to their business. I will not buy any of their product while they treat employee poorly. Also, I hope fellow Newfoundlanders won't buy their products

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  • Username
    mark D
    - October 29, 2010 at 13:15:47

    What is needed is an industrial inquiry if the factory closes down for good during a strike.

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  • Username
    GRACE
    - October 29, 2010 at 13:08:47

    I WILL MISS MY PEPPERMINT KNOBS OH MY GRACIOUS WHAT I DO WITHOUT THEM

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