Driver accused of hitting union worker with car at golf course picket line

On Oct. 31, a driver allegedly steered their car into a picket line at the Nico Wynd Golf Club, hitting one person and sending them to the hospital.

During the incident, Burnaby East MLA Rohini Arora was recording a video at the site in support of the workers, when a car drove into the picket line, causing several people to jump out of the way and hitting Dallis Van Steinburg.

The Service Employees International Union local — representing approximately 30 restaurant and grounds crew employees on strike at the golf course — released a statement saying the “picket line does not impede access to the residential area, and a second entrance to the golf course with no picket line was accessible nearby.”

Van Steinburg, who is also an SEIU Local 2 employee, wrote in a social media post that the driver “came toward me, nudged me with her car, and stepped on the gas, lifting me … I was afraid for my safety. Afterward, she yelled that she should have killed me.”

The union said the driver was a strata resident — the golf course is owned and operated by the strata that represents the Nico Wynd Estates that surrounds the course.

Workers have been striking since Oct. 1, previously saying they are fighting to receive “basic respect” from their employer, like being paid on time and having a workplace free from bullying, harassment and retaliation. Workers have also criticized the golf club for attempting to cut seniority rights, which are vital for seasonal industries.

“There have been many wonderful supporters. But some residents have gone out of their way to be aggressive and demeaning toward workers,” wrote Van Steinburg.

Nico Wynd Golf Course general manager Cindy Charles did not respond to the Citizen’s request for comment.

Surrey Police Service officers attended the scene alongside EHS. While the EHS did not find injuries initially, Van Steinburg was later taken to Peace Arch Hospital for assessment.

“Officers are investigating the actions of all parties, including the driver and the pedestrian, who allegedly swung their arm and struck the vehicle, damaging it. Police have identified everyone involved and have spoken with witnesses,” wrote the SPS.

The incident remains under investigation.

On Nov. 2, the union held a rally in support of workers. The rally saw dozens of community members attend including Arora and Vancouver-Strathcona MLA Amanda Jane Burrows. Many unions also attended or posted their support like the United Steelworkers Union, the International Union of Operating Engineers and BC General Employee’s Union.

Arora also encouraged any patrons of the golf course to urge the employer to return to the bargaining table and present a fair deal to workers.