A police investigation is underway in Victoria after striking BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) members say they were attacked with bear spray while picketing this week.
The incident reportedly happened outside the Royal B.C. Museum on Tuesday evening.
In a statement, Victoria police confirm they received calls about a “possible irritant deployment” around 7:30 p.m.
“A group of individuals reported experiencing respiratory distress, suggesting exposure to a substance similar to bear spray,” police said.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!It’s not clear if anyone was badly injured.
There’s no word yet on a suspect or possible motive.
Victoria police say officers spoke with multiple witnesses at the scene, and investigators are now “reviewing video footage from the area and continuing to interview witnesses regarding the incident.”
BCGEU president Paul Finch calls the incident “deeply disturbing” and claims it comes in addition to other reports of “yelling, spitting, racialized and homophobic verbal assaults,” against his members.
“These acts of violence against peaceful striking workers are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Finch.
The Royal B.C. Museum has been a high-profile BCGEU strike site since their job action began earlier this month.