Picket lines

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ruth Saunders on October 10, 2011 at 10:36

I'd like to know what works, too.

Permalink Reply by Dave Plummer on October 11, 2011 at 10:37

Having UK Uncut come to cook you breakfast helps! If UK Uncut can't make it trying to make an event built around the picket line is a good idea. Get a speaker or two, maybe from different unions (build those local links!), use any musical or theatrical talents you have in your branch. Make a day of it.

Permalink Reply by Pete Wright on October 14, 2011 at 16:36

We found that good weather, the presence of BBC TV and home made cakes all contirubted on June 30th to our biggest ever turnout at the Channel Tunnel!

Permalink Reply by Martin Hickman on October 18, 2011 at 1:12

All members meetings and also just walking around chatting to members commenting things like seeing members turn up on the picket with us is a fantastic boost to the moral of your reps.  Also its gives a message to management.  I also state in a dispute over jobs come along and see the ones who are undermining this, the scab and putting your job at risk.

Permalink Reply by Doug Campbell on October 25, 2011 at 16:20

I'd say there are two main groups to target - old hands who have picketed before, perhaps with a previous employer, and those who are keen, but new to it and perhaps a bit unsure. Both groups can be a bit shy about turning up on the morning, but if you can get them together in an informal pre-strike workshop to discuss tactics, they reinforce each other really well!

 

I'd definitely agree that building local links is really effective - I've found members identify with a personal report from a local rep from a workplace down the road in a very immediate way, and a speaker like that can totally energise a members meeting. Reach out through Trades Councils and local activist groups like UK Uncut, and if you have other branches or unions in your building, just get in there and ask who puts up the posters!

Permalink Reply by Doug Campbell on November 16, 2011 at 10:58

As they are now on board an overwhelming ballot result, now is the time to reach out to your local Prospect branch! We made an initial contact prior to the ballot, and rank-and-file members have been very supportive of previous actions, so we are hopeful of a good joint picket.

Permalink Reply by Ira Wechsler on July 27, 2012 at 1:29

  Strike benefits must be distributed only at the picket line and only after signing in and out for picket duty. Also Discussion and education MUST be a part of the process. Of course if your picket line never stops scabs then it is a farce and should be "rehabilitated".

Permalink Reply by Ira Wechsler on July 27, 2012 at 1:31

If there is to be militant activity that requires mass picketing then you organize a squad for home visits to cajole your comrades to do their duty.