Berkeley: Police riot squad strikes Pacific Steel picketers with batons

KQED reported that hundreds of workers picketed the Pacific Steel plant [on Camelia St.] today. They went on strike yesterday over having to pay more of their health benefits, which they say amounts to about a 10 percent pay cut. Representatives from Pacific Steel Management say they won't comment outside the negotiations.

The KQED radio reporter was outside the gates this afternoon when police in riot gear appeared. Picketers were trying to block the gates to stop a delivery, and police proceeded to form a line to push the protesters back and clear the gate. KQED reported that almost instantly, the scene turned violent, with officers hitting some protesters with batons, including a pregnant woman.

After a chaotic scene, the reporter said, demonstrators backed off. Police remained on the scene.