NB Power truck pushes striking worker in Oromocto

NB Power says it is “deeply troubled” after one of its trucks pushed a striking federal public service worker on the picket line in Oromocto.

The incident happened outside an entrance to Base Gagetown on Friday morning, according to video posted to social media.

The truck appears to clip one person before speeding up and abruptly stopping just short of another striking worker who had stepped out into the roadway.

Video shows the truck continuing forward and pushing the person for several metres. The man then moves out of the way and the truck continues on.

“This behaviour is truly unacceptable and will not be tolerated by NB Power,” the utility said in a statement on its Facebook page.

NB Power said the RCMP intervened following the incident and the truck was removed from the road. The utility also began an internal investigation.

In its statement, NB Power said the incident did not involve any of its employees. Inside the vehicle at the time were an instructor and two students who are part of a lineman training program.

“The instructor is employed by a private training company, and we have terminated his involvement with NB Power,” said the statement.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 37 also released a statement on social media following the incident.

“We support picket lines and the health and safety of our members and the public,” said the statement. “We are disappointed in the actions and shameful level of service of this driver.”