(KAIR)--Clarification is provided regarding lines literally drawn along City of Atchison sidewalks, near the Bradken foundry, as members of United Steel Workers Local 6943 continue to picket as part of a labor dispute.

The workers’ strike began March 22, at 5 p.m. as the 72-hour notice provided to Bradken management, following a failure to come to terms on a negotiated contract, gave out.

On Monday, photos were posted to the USDW 6943 Facebook group showing white lines painted across the public sidewalk near the foundry, located at 400 South 4th Street. Comments criticizing the development quickly followed.

Late Tuesday afternoon, the City of Atchison released a statement explaining the appearance of the lines, with the statement saying “it is the Atchison Police Department’s duty and responsibility” to uphold the court order that led to the drawing of the lines.

The release explains that Bradken legal counsel “recently filed a temporary restraining order against its union members picketing in response to the company’s ongoing labor dispute,” with the release stating that the court order "was signed into effect by the Atchison County District Court” on Monday.

The active order, the release explains, “required the drawing of lines on city sidewalks, enacting limitations as to where picketers can and cannot be located.”

Saying that “as the law enforcement agency of the city in which Bradken is located,” the release notes that’s it’s the duty of the Atchison Police Department, along with the City, “to enforce any and all laws per city code to promote and protect public safety.”

According to Union Representation, the strike was launched as Bradken wants to do away with the union’s proposals regarding management rights in exchange for its own, with representative Robert Tripp saying that Bradken “didn’t enter negotiations very seriously” with the union.

Bradken Vice-President of Operations, Ken Bean, told MSC News the company “presented the union with a fair proposal” and remains “committed to a constructive, good faith dialogue with the union.”

Headquartered in Mayfield West, Australia, Bradken, according to the company’s website, specializes in the design and manufacture of cast and fabricated iron and steel products.