told to cross picket lines.

[AdTheBad]

The endorsement "no access, dog loose" on returned mail usually works for me, if I dont want to go there. At least its never been challenged yet. But I can see the following discourse :
manager- Loose dog? I checked up and they dont have a dog.
me - didnt say it was their dog.
sorted.

[Jobe]

If you are delivering then what's the problem? The picket line will only be small anyway. They are restricted to about half a dozen or so. They aren't allowed to block your access and egress.

[Stormproof]

If you are delivering then what's the problem? The picket line will only be small anyway. They are restricted to about half a dozen or so. They aren't allowed to block your access and egress.

I take it you arn't in a union. Ever heard of morals and solidarity? If you were on strike would you expect other union members to cross your picket line?

[bogstandard]

would or could the conscience clause be applicable

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The picket line will only be small anyway. They are restricted to about half a dozen or so.

Incorrect perhaps reading up on the rules of picket lines would be advisable before entering a debate.

I am happy to provide clarification though.

The law you are referring to places no limit of 6 but a suggestion of 20. There is a code of practice that recommends a limit of 6 - but that is only a code of practice not a rule or even a law.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ ... G_10027549" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mass picketing

The chance of people breaking the law is higher when there is mass picketing. If there are 20 or more people on a picket line, the police can use special powers to disperse them if it is likely that they will cause

serious public disorder
serious damage to property

If the police are concerned that there is a threat to the safety of others, they can order those picketing to stop and may arrest those not complying.

Normally there should be no more than six pickets outside an entrance. This is the maximum number recommended in the Code of Practice on picketing. http://www.bis.gov.uk/files/file23914.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[cliffeyhez]

Would never, ever cross a picket line. My old Dad would turn in his grave. It just ain't right :dcfo :ncfo :vcfo .

[Jobe]

If you aren't on strike and you are in a different Union you are obliged to cross the picket line otherwise you are breaking your own contract. As a person delivering, obviously your personal safety is paramount, but to blatantly say you can't cross a picket line is incorrect. Had I still been in my former employment then I would have been on strike. As it is I'm quite within my rights to cross that line unmolested and I ain't no scab.

[fishtank]

If you aren't on strike and you are in a different Union you are obliged to cross the picket line otherwise you are breaking your own contract. As a person delivering, obviously your personal safety is paramount, but to blatantly say you can't cross a picket line is incorrect. Had I still been in my former employment then I would have been on strike. As it is I'm quite within my rights to cross that line unmolested and I ain't no scab.

We are aware of the rules on crossing picket lines...this isn't the first time we've been here but there are written rules and unwritten rules and this is an unwritten one.
I'll write it down if you like...You don't cross a picket line...you don't go shouting it out to management....you just find a way not to that ticks all the boxes.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

If you aren't on strike and you are in a different Union you are obliged to cross the picket line otherwise you are breaking your own contract.

Still don't quite understand the rules of a strike then. The strikers themselves are breaking their own contract of employment and are obliged to work so they are in the same position as you. They make their own choice so do you.

As a person delivering, obviously your personal safety is paramount, but to blatantly say you can't cross a picket line is incorrect.

No one has said can't - most have said won't and have suggested possible problems that may occur. Again crossing a picket line is a personal choice, and as with all personal choices make sure you make it in the full knowledge of all possible consequences.

Had I still been in my former employment then I would have been on strike. As it is I'm quite within my rights to cross that line unmolested and I ain't no scab.

Yes you are within your rights to cross any picket line, however if you do I personally would question your definition of a scab.

A strikebreaker (sometimes derogatorily called a scab) is a person who works despite an ongoing strike. Strikebreakers are usually individuals who are not employed by the company prior to the trade union dispute, but rather hired prior to or during the strike to keep the organisation running. "Strikebreakers" may also refer to workers (union members or not) who cross picket lines to work.

[youwot!!!!!]

If you aren't on strike and you are in a different Union you are obliged to cross the picket line otherwise you are breaking your own contract.

Still don't quite understand the rules of a strike then. The strikers themselves are breaking their own contract of employment and are obliged to work so they are in the same position as you. They make their own choice so do you.

As a person delivering, obviously your personal safety is paramount, but to blatantly say you can't cross a picket line is incorrect.

No one has said can't - most have said won't and have suggested possible problems that may occur. Again crossing a picket line is a personal choice, and as with all personal choices make sure you make it in the full knowledge of all possible consequences.

Had I still been in my former employment then I would have been on strike. As it is I'm quite within my rights to cross that line unmolested and I ain't no scab.

Yes you are within your rights to cross any picket line, however if you do I personally would question your definition of a scab.

A strikebreaker (sometimes derogatorily called a scab) is a person who works despite an ongoing strike. Strikebreakers are usually individuals who are not employed by the company prior to the trade union dispute, but rather hired prior to or during the strike to keep the organisation running. "Strikebreakers" may also refer to workers (union members or not) who cross picket lines to work.

simples.spelt out so even the hard of thinking could understand it.cheers tbt.

[padraig1965]

You never cross any line.My better half works for the Council in Management.Even she would not cross the line Tomorrow.

[meercat]

If you aren't on strike and you are in a different Union you are obliged to cross the picket line otherwise you are breaking your own contract.

Still don't quite understand the rules of a strike then. The strikers themselves are breaking their own contract of employment and are obliged to work so they are in the same position as you. They make their own choice so do you.

If an official ballot has been taken though the employees cannot be sacked for picketing and striking whereas a Postie can be for refusing to deliver across a picket line as that is not official industrial action.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

If you aren't on strike and you are in a different Union you are obliged to cross the picket line otherwise you are breaking your own contract.

Still don't quite understand the rules of a strike then. The strikers themselves are breaking their own contract of employment and are obliged to work so they are in the same position as you. They make their own choice so do you.

If an official ballot has been taken though the employees cannot be sacked for picketing and striking whereas a Postie can be for refusing to deliver across a picket line as that is not official industrial action.

Actually there are certain circumstances that you can be sacked for when taking even official Industrial action, but its very rare and unlikely to happen even at Royal Mail. No argument with the 2nd part though, it is a personal choice and you can be dismissed for it, as you can also be dismissed for causing unofficial action if the employer (and any subsequent ET) decided you were trying to promote unofficial action by telling people not to cross a picket line.

This is why I have always tried to say that it is up to each individual to make their decision in the full knowledge of all the consequences. I have also tried to make people aware that there may be issues concerning their own safety and the safety of the mail and that this should also be taken into account. Luckily I personally did not have to cross any picket lines, I had a word with the offices that may have been involved and agreed if there was a picket line they would collect their own mail.