Picket Line Question...

[DemonPostie]

I'm in a real quandry about this ballot.....

First off, I am a proud member of the union. Always have been a union member, come from a very long line of union members.

BUT, the rest of my office seems a little less.... devoted.

Apparently, the last strike (2007, I think..) only three guys in our office (out of around 35) didn't go into work, there was a two-man picket line for only one day. From asking around the office, it looks like it will be much the same this time 'round (if the vote is YES. though my whole office is voting NO)

I have never been in a situation before where my UNION goes on strike, but my office just ignores it. I could NEVER cross a picket line, my dad brought me up much better than that. I used to join other people's picket lines just for fun. (nothing like a brazier and a rousing The Internationale) But what if there IS no picket line? I would assume going in to work during a strike would still be scabbing, even if there was nobody actually marching the line? So I will take the day off. Should I then pop down to the local mail centre and join THEIR line? Or should I stand, alone, outside my office shouting at the strike breakers and throwing bricks (ahh, the good ol' days..)

It's awfully hard (and really quite ironic) to get a round of Solidarity Forever going if you're the only one singing...

-me

[k979aaa]

If worse came to worse and you fell out with your (fellow work mates?) or got sacked for up holding your good and honourable up-bringing!. It comes down to this you can replace a job make new mates but you will never replace your self-respect once it is lost!.

[mandelsons_toenail]

know that feeling mate

our office is gonna be 50/50

shame really as only 2 of them cannot afford not to strike

gonna be 50 working, makes me sick

[DemonPostie]

If worse came to worse and you fell out with your (fellow work mates?) or got sacked for up holding your good and honourable up-bringing!. It comes down to this you can replace a job make new mates but you will never replace your self-respect once it is lost!.

Surely I couldn't get the sack, though, for walking the line?

My self respect is worth a lot more than this job. (to be fair, a king-sized snickers is worth more than this job some days!)

[DemonPostie]

shame really as only 2 of them cannot afford not to strike
k

I really, really can't afford to strike. I am on a one-hour contract (wheee!), and need to take shifts anywhere I can get them.

But we all have to make sacrifices. If holding on to my principles means my missus has to work more overtime, it's a cross I'll have to bear. ;)

[k979aaa]

shame really as only 2 of them cannot afford not to strike
k

I really, really can't afford to strike. I am on a one-hour contract (wheee!), and need to take shifts anywhere I can get them.

But we all have to make sacrifices. If holding on to my principles means my missus has to work more overtime, it's a cross I'll have to bear. ;)

I very much doubt they would sack you if you are on a one hour contract but their is something about these one hour contracts on here as being illegal you may wish to do a search on this!. Hope this helps you and self respect is the only thing that matters!.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

1 man picket line - it happened in 2007 -

http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... ket#p28674" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 105#p58802" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DemonPostie]

Well, f**k it. If I'm the only one in my office man enough to face my responsibilities, then so be it. Still, marching in circles by myself may well have then men in white coats down to see me... Especially if I am whistling good socialist songs to myself.... :)

-me

[dvbuk55]

Picketting was on my mind just today - I don't think I missed a day at one time or another BUT the organisation was abysmal as are most union activities in this area. We are waiting on a gate meeting/union meeting where it should be made clear that you have to be in it to win it and picket lines are there for a purpose and need maximum support at all times. And for crissake lets have the whole area off at a time not parts of the organisation - that way we know who is not supporting the strike and who is.

[k979aaa]

Well, f**k it. If I'm the only one in my office man enough to face my responsibilities, then so be it. Still, marching in circles by myself may well have then men in white coats down to see me... Especially if I am whistling good socialist songs to myself.... :)

-me

[mandelsons_toenail]

anyone got any advice for a gate meeting I need to give tomorrow?

My rep is away im his subby and its my first one

Office is in no way solid, guess half wont be interested, plus guys start from 430am - 7am. Can I go frame to frame or what!?

[dvbuk55]

JESUS TONIGHT WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOME OFFICES. You uphold your own principles and dont let any one tell you other wise. Some of the posts getting put up on here as the ballot draws closeR and closeR are very annoying as they describe the on goings in there own offices and very baffling. My question is WHERE ARE THE LOCAL REPS FFS

VOTE YES

Good question - considering the ballot is quite clear cut - do you support the CWU or not.

[Witlessraisin]

Last time there was a strike in our office the vast majority worked. I was left with the same decision that you are facing: Picket solo or have a lie in with a bacon sandwich and a mug of coffee and stick pins in your self made collection of voodoo doll's. I won't tell you what I chose.

[mailman71]

the big problem in a lot of offices is that we as the strike gets closer a few people in some of the offices are moaning about the present conditions but dont want to fight for better.

[Witlessraisin]

the big problem in a lot of offices is that we as the strike gets closer a few people in some of the offices are moaning about the present conditions but dont want to fight for better.

Ah tell me about it! I categorise these people as ***holes who will never be happy unless they are moaning. They want someone else to fight their battles for them. Unfortunatley they are in a win/win situation.