Permanent injunction issued Tuesday limiting picketing activities by unions

On Tuesday, Nov. 1,  the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County issued a permanent injunction enjoining some of the labor unions representing Pittsburgh Post-Gazette employees and their supporters from engaging in violent, threatening and destructive behavior at The  Butler Eagle’s facility in Butler County.

After issuing a preliminary injunction on Oct. 28 and conducting a full hearing on the matter Tuesday, the Butler Court agreed that the unions’ conduct, and that of their supporters, warranted the issuance of a permanent injunction enjoining the unions and their supporters from:

• Stationing more than 10 picketers outside of The Butler Eagle facility at any one time.
• Blocking, obstructing or picketing outside of The Butler Eagle’s delivery entrance gate and anywhere on West Wayne Street adjacent to The Butler Eagle’s Facility.
• Throwing any objects at any person or vehicle entering or exiting The Butler Eagle’s facility at its delivery gate.
• Threatening, intimidating, harassing or interfering with any individuals attempting to enter or exit The Butler Eagle’s facility at its delivery gate.

The Final Order was issued by the Butler Court Tuesday. The Sheriff of Butler County and any other law enforcement officers are authorized to enforce the injunction order. View a copy of the Court’s injunction order HERE.

The Post-Gazette respects the rights of its employees to strike and picket. However, the unions’ actions and those of some of its supporters crossed the line and placed individuals at risk of physical harm.

“We are thankful that the Butler Court took the time to hear the evidence and put a stop to the violent, threatening and destructive behavior. We hope the unions and their supporters conduct themselves in a peaceful manner going forward,” said Allison Latcheran, director of marketing for the Post-Gazette.

The Post-Gazette contacted a federal mediator yesterday in an effort to move forward with negotiations with the union.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has served the Pittsburgh community, its readers and advertisers as the region’s indispensable source of news, advertising and information for more than two centuries.