Is bullying and harrasing 'strike breakers' ok?

[Decky Boy]

You can't bully them but you can ignore them if they try to talk about anything other than work related business. None can force you to speak to someone you don't want to.

Mmm... I'd be VERY VERY carefull about ignoring a collegue day in, day out at work.
I personally believe this is one of the WORST forms of bullying. Don't just take my word for it ...The Health and Safety Executive and Tribunals think likewise http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/furtheradv ... iduals.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[clashcityrocker]

The simple answer to the title question is no.
Best embrace any picket line crossers as you would a long lost brother and kill the fatted calf on their behalf.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I couldn't bully anyone for any reason, leave that to the managers when they realise they are weak and unpopular. They will be the first to go when the cull starts.
I thought Sausage Chips And Beans was banned on this forum btw?

The term strike breakers is a difficult one for RMC.

It has a precise and historical meaning and used in the right context is acceptable. However, during the Miners strike, for many reasons, the term Scab came to be seen as a pejorative term.

Therefore the balance I aim for is if you use it against an individual or group as an insult that is not acceptable - for instance "Teebs you are a scab" - is not allowed. However, if you are describing an action by an individual or group then that is ok - for instance - "At Denver DO at least 5 scabbed". Any borderline uses of the term will be amended as per the rules, any outright use as a insult will be treated in the usual way.


The Sausage Chips and Beans term was originally started as a mild joke between members, but it will be judged on the same basis as the term Scab.

[luddite]

Thanks Teebs,
I think you changed the title just as I posted!
All this talk of food is making me hungry!

[Lounge Lizard]

People cross picket lines for various reasons. Sure some are just selfish twats that couldn't give a stuff about anyone else. One guy that crossed the lines last set of strikes springs to mind. He seemed quite pleased with himself for doing it too which didn't really help with his already low popularity rating. No one really liked or spoke to him before he did it, so nothing really changed for him afterwards But there are some people that genuinely have some real problems going on strike. Those that have large families, big mortgages, etc I know we all need money but some need it alot more than others and risk losing alot more than others when going without it. I have never crossed a picket line and never will. Fortunately I have been in a financial position to cope with it. But do not condemn others that just can't do it. Ignore them by all means but understand that everyones situation is different and there may be good reason why they just can't do it!

My experience is that often it's not those with "large families, big mortgages, etc" that are most likely to break the strikes but where it's a 'second wage' paying for expensive holidays after the kids have left home and the mortgage paid off. And in a small office it might be the minority of one or two who DO strike that get the 'sent to Coventry' type treatment, especially if blamed for losing the others a £300 bonus.

[redandblue]

Wow, can you imagine how frosty it will get in a Park & loop van if one of the pair crossed the picketline?
There could be trouble ahead.

[Dorset Plodder]

I was going to say, "It always surprises me....". But it no longer does. Instead isn't it ironic how managers spring to defend those "Who choose not to strike"?

All year they've got an eye on their Budgets/Bonuses and basically s**t on all and sundry. A Strike looms and suddenly many members of staff become their bosom buddies. If anyone says anything against them (even a simple question like, "Will you be coming in or not"?), they're hauled into the office and given a talking too.

I think most of us know where we stand and I'm just glad I don't have to rely on many of my colleagues in a life or death situation.

I also feel sad that the Trade Union Movement has come to this sorry state. Obviously many workers have no grasp of history or no understanding of what our forebears had to put up with. Or have any idea of the sacrifices they made. I'm sure they'd be ashamed of the weak will and lack of backbone of some of our colleagues.

[UnhappyGremlin]

No. It's not right, no matter who the victim is.

Other than business related conversations, I won't be speaking to them.
And no one can tell me otherwise.

[snoopy777]

Jimmy Carr....with a 1600 a month mortgage your combined household income must be substantial ! It's worrying how much debt you are in! How do you sleep at night!

[Shambles]

You can't bully them but you can ignore them if they try to talk about anything other than work related business. None can force you to speak to someone you don't want to.

Mmm... I'd be VERY VERY carefull about ignoring a collegue day in, day out at work.
I personally believe this is one of the WORST forms of bullying. Don't just take my word for it ...The Health and Safety Executive and Tribunals think likewise http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/furtheradv ... iduals.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Very informative, thank you for sharing, I've found it personally helpful

[Lounge Lizard]

I couldn't bully anyone for any reason, leave that to the managers when they realise they are weak and unpopular. They will be the first to go when the cull starts.
I thought Sausage Chips And Beans was banned on this forum btw?

The term strike breakers is a difficult one for RMC.

It has a precise and historical meaning and used in the right context is acceptable. However, during the Miners strike, for many reasons, the term Scab came to be seen as a pejorative term.

Therefore the balance I aim for is if you use it against an individual or group as an insult that is not acceptable - for instance "Teebs you are a scab" - is not allowed. However, if you are describing an action by an individual or group then that is ok - for instance - "At Denver DO at least 5 scabbed". Any borderline uses of the term will be amended as per the rules, any outright use as a insult will be treated in the usual way.


The Sausage Chips and Beans term was originally started as a mild joke between members, but it will be judged on the same basis as the term Scab.

"Still Can Afford Beer" is more appropriate, because they can.

[southernjessy]

[janitor]

Will be interesting to see what happens at my old office if there is A strike, as the man that is now Union rep, scabbed the last two strikes.

[redandblue]

Will be interesting to see what happens at my old office if there is A strike, as the man that is now Union rep, scabbed the last two strikes.

How the hell did that happen?

[north london driver]

Will be interesting to see what happens at my old office if there is A strike, as the man that is now Union rep, scabbed the last two strikes.

How the hell did that happen?

due to nothing being done by our union in the past, if staff carry on working in an offical strike they should be reported
then slung out the union why should a union rep have to represent them months down the line after they stich the mates up.they are scum and should have not the same union rights as there members who do strike.
as for unoffical action it can be a bit different as the union can not be seen to agree with unoffical action. but in the past i have always found when going out unoffical strikes they do seem to get solved much quicker.
it will be an intresting few weeks for our union and royal mail while its called that.