Crossing a picket line

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  #11  
Old 07-29-2008, 11:38 PM
HWD
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Default Re: Crossing a picket line

Originally Posted by Graymist
What would you do if you're faced with a situation where the company that you work for "strongly urges" you to cross a picket line to deliver a load, but you feel uncomfortable doing so ( for whatever reason ) ? What options does one have in such a scenario ?
Based on what happened to me once, this might be an option if you choose this route. I assume you are a company driver? If so, you are in the midst of a quandry...cross and be labelled or respect the line and possibly jeopardize your own job. Here's what I did:

Back in the early '90s when I started driving, I had to pick up a load at a plant in Omaha. I got there and saw a picket line. I parked across the five lane highway in a lot directly in front of the plant and called inside. I told them I would not cross the picket line. They said "fine" and hung up. About an hour later, here comes 3 big forklifts across the highway, each with a large shrink wrapped pallet! The forklifts were being driven by managers who were no longer used to actually working, and being driven clumsily at that (at most union shops all levels of management are company, not union, and not allowed to strike). Anyhoo, they loaded me across the street and I left. Didn't have to cross the picket line, plus I didn't get dinged by my owner for failing to do as told!
 
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Old 07-29-2008, 11:39 PM
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Default Re: Crossing a picket line

dang it...
 
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Old 07-29-2008, 11:39 PM
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Default Re: Crossing a picket line

third time's the charm
 
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Old 07-29-2008, 11:40 PM
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Default Re: Crossing a picket line

Sorry, it (or me) posted the reply four times!
 
  #15  
Old 07-30-2008, 01:38 AM
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It would depend if "Your" union was supporting and sanctioning the strike. If they are not you won't get any support if you refuse to cross and the your company fires you.
During Pipeline construction up in Alaska I was in Teamsters 959 (You had to be in a union to work pipeline) and saw it several times where the pipefitters or plumbers or bathroom cleaners went on strike and if Jesse Carr didn't say 959 was honoring this strike you had better just go do your thing or would be outa work.
Check with your local union rep. and see if "Your" union is honoring it.
 
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Old 07-30-2008, 01:46 AM
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Originally Posted by HWD
...I would rather be urinated on and set on fire than vote for Obama....
LMAO.

As an aside, urination and flames don't really mix.

But I do get your point!
 
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  #17  
Old 07-30-2008, 02:02 AM
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Well i have a family to support and i will no union or line tell me when i can and can not work sorry guys. The reason i say that is cause the union sometimes protects the stupidest people they should be kicked out the front door but no you have to go through certain steps and if you dont
repeat the same stunt within 6 months you are go to do it again.
 
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Old 07-30-2008, 02:19 AM
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BW think he got it backwards, think he meant set afire then p'ssed on
 
  #19  
Old 07-30-2008, 09:46 AM
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Amen MidnightLighting!

If your a union employee, thats all fine and peachy (usually), but again, a union is why it cost you $40-$50k to buy a new pickup truck, because the unions are forcing companies to pay some low skilled worker $40/hr to push a button.

They can call me a scab, hemerhoid, or anything else they want, but sorry, I gotta go to work! I work to make money. Not friends.
 
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  #20  
Old 07-30-2008, 11:37 AM
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It's been many years since I've been in a union and the only thing they did for me was lose money for me during a strike.. It's been some years since I was told to cross a picket line. But, when I approached the line, feelings were running high. I called the company and informed them that they could see equipment damage or worse. They called the police and I was escorted in, guarded while loading, and escorted out. When I was leaving the plant, it was a parade. I had 3 squads in front, and about 9 or 10 behind me. All the way out to the edge of town before they peeled off and turned around.
 
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