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Unlawful Assembly Declared at C&H Sugar Picket Lines

A sheriff's unlawful-assembly declaration followed by C&H's restraining-order filing could alter protest tactics as talks restart.

Overview

  • A crowd of ILWU Local 6 and sympathy Local 10 picketers blocked entrances to the C&H refinery in Crockett on Tuesday, prompting Contra Costa County deputies to declare an unlawful assembly and order dispersal.
  • Union leaders say one man was struck by a vehicle and taken to a hospital and that several picketers were detained; law enforcement reports list multiple detentions during the protest.
  • C&H Sugar has filed a temporary restraining order accusing the unions of creating an unlawful blockade and alleging sabotage to contractors' vehicles, including claims of cut brake lines and slashed tires.
  • The unions say C&H brought in temporary non‑union workers to unload the cargo ship Tai Herald, a claim the company denies, leaving that central factual dispute unresolved in public reporting.
  • Negotiations between Local 6 and C&H are set to resume, with the company offering multi-year raises and bonuses and the union pressing to preserve sick leave, overtime rules and retiree health benefits; the sympathy pickets could widen port and supply-chain disruption if actions continue.