Union condemns mine vandalism

An ore car sign marking the entrance to Hecla’s Lucky Friday Mine in Mullan, Idaho was vandalized over the weekend.

The defacement was noticed by picketers with the United Steelworkers (USW) Union local 5114 chapter Sunday morning on their way to the picket lines on Lucky Ave. in front of the mine.

Union officials were notified shortly after the discovery and they quickly called Shoshone County Sheriff Mike Gunderson to report the crime, who checks on the picketers daily.

After a report had been filed with the Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), Union members and supporters cleaned off the yellow spray painted graffiti from the sign.

USW 5114 posted on its Facebook page that afternoon to address the issue:

“USW Local 5114 does NOT and will NOT condone or approve of any vandalism or destruction of Hecla property!!! Anyone seeing such activity is urged to contact a union officer immediately!!”

Union leadership said the act of vandalism was not committed by any of their members.

This claim has been confirmed by SCSO and they already suspect a Silver Valley male (not affiliated with the union or the mine) of the crime.

This incident aside, Sheriff Gunderson said the strike in Mullan has been peaceful.

“Everybody has been good. No reported incidents by Hecla, the picketers, or the private security.”

USW 5114 President Phil Epler reiterated the words from the Facebook post by saying, “We don’t condone it in anyway, shape, or form.”

“It is unfortunate what happened and we had it taken care of,” he added.

Tensions have been high for those in the Silver Valley with ties to the Lucky Friday Mine since the miners voted to go on strike nine days ago over labor contract disagreements with the company.

In addition to picketing the mine itself, USW 5114 supporters have also been regularly picketing Hecla’s corporate offices in Coeur d’Alene.