Crossing a Picket Line

[LibbyTreehugger]

Hello guys and gals. Long time lurker..

Not sure if this is the correct forum for this, but you all seem like a friendly bunch.

I apologize in advance as I'm going to be long winded, I'm sure (not enough coffee yet)

Anywho, I work as an account manager for a certain brand of products within Giant food stores (Stop & Shop for your guys further north) I've heard unless something major happens over the weekend that Stop & Shop is proceeding to strike on Monday..

Giant Landover's meeting is next week, in which they would presumably follow suit to strike.

I've never had to encounter a situation in which the accounts I work in would be on strike. I would never cross a picket line in the first place, but especially not one amongst "my friends" at the stores.

And the real kicker is in a few of my accounts I have blood relatives, including my own mother working.

I have no idea what to do. I work for a company of about 15 (non-union, no benefits 5+ years later) and my husband is currently out of a job. We have 3 little boys, and barely squeak by every month.

I know we can't afford for me to be fired for refusal to cross, but I just can't do it... Especially with my own family potentially striking.


I'm just so stressed out!



(And although my boss would understand, as she knows I have family working in the stores, I have a territory I manage within the state, not near the main office, so there would be no one to cover me during a strike, we're already down 1 of the four account managers)

[mrmpa]

2. Questions.......

1. Is there a certain person you work with inside each store?
2. Do you need to be inside the store in order to complete your work?
3. Can you complete your work, over coffee? At the back door? On the phone?

Does that help?

[LibbyTreehugger]

5. Nope

1)I work within the deli.
2) Yes, I have to do inventory and orders/merchandise/product demonstrations/continually work on training staff/helping them. It's basically like I work for the store, although I'm not on their payroll
3) So no

[ancianita]

3. Search for union striker help. It's out there and is worth looking into. Hang tough!

http://www.unionplus.org/life-planning-services-legal/member-assistance-programs/union-safe-grants-strike

There are labor lawyers in your area. Please invite one to speak at your picket lines. In fact, invite as many speakers as possible for every day you're on the picket line.

Don't just chant. Talk the desperate into standing with you. Hand out fact sheets to passersby and people in cars. This will do a lot to inform a public that wants to be against cheap corporate management.

Call other union workers and set up coops for babysitting, meal cooking and transportation help. Get everyone to get their relatives to give material and moral support. People will join and help, but you have to reach out.

You've got dignity, spirit and labor that deserves better compensation. Fight for it and your family's welfare. Best of luck and skill to you.

[Ptah]

4. Sounds like a bad situation.

You might get better responses in:

General Discussion http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1002

Labor Movement (Group) http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1117

[LibbyTreehugger]

6. Thanks

Can I cross post in both forums?

If so should I delete this thread?

[Ptah]

7. I don't think you need to delete this thread.

I think cross posting is okay.

[rurallib]

8. what a pickle - If you know how to use the private message system

(click on the "my inbox" button way at the top right - from there it is fairly self-explanatory)
I would suggest - hopefully not out of line - trying to contact DU member Omaha Steve. He is IMHO the most knowledgeable on things labor related.

Would not have a clue what to tell you. You are really on the horns of a dilemma.
My gut feel is that you do your job, but let the strikers know they have your sympathy. That seems a bit hypocritical but you have to eat also.

Also be sure to post in labor - it is under economy and education. People crosspost all the time.
I wish you good luck

[rug]

9. Call in sick.

[pintobean]

10. I would talk to my employer,

or supervisor. You are the face of the company when you enter those stores. You deal with the union members. Those people will remember who didn't support them after the strike, or lock-out.

[Iggo]

11. This.

[cloudbase]

12. There should be a "captain" on the picket line.

Talk to him/her, and explain the situation. They may very well have no problem with you crossing.

ETA: It's always welcome when somebody drops off some soft drinks/snacks.