Striking staff members at Dundee University have been left “alarmed” after a man brandishing a mallet confronted them on the picket line.
Police have launched an investigation after the incident on Nethergate, outside Bonar Hall, on Tuesday.
A man was filmed approaching workers – who are embroiled in a months-long dispute over changes to their pensions – to complain about the noise their protest was generating.
‘He was unhappy about the noise’
He could be heard swearing at members of the Unison union before eventually leaving the scene.
Those on the picket line have been sounding horns and urging passing drivers to do the same.
A source told The Courier: “This was a lawful picket and there were picketers outside the Bonar Hall, the Tower Building and Duncan of Jordanstone buildings.
“There had been an incident just minutes before with this man at the Bonar Hall picket.
“He returned a short while later and was videoed holding a mallet and what some thought was a (wallpaper) scraper.
“He was unhappy about the noise but this was not the way to address the situation, by threatening those on the picket line.
“There was further picketing on Wednesday following the incident.”
Maureen Dickson, Unison regional organiser, said: “I’ve seen the footage and it was clearly an alarming incident.
“Unison members have been assisting police with their inquiries.”
Police following positive line of inquiry
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Officers are aware of a man causing a disturbance at a demonstration in the Nethergate area of Dundee shortly after 10am on Tuesday.
“Nobody was injured and officers are following a positive line of inquiry.”
It is understood Dundee University is not involved in the incident as staff were not on duty at the time.
