Alright... once and for all on the strike and crossing picket lines.

[Dave_7]

I just saw a news reporter say that customers will have to cross the picket lines, or cross the water (from Catalina) to get their groceries.



Union, or Non-union WORKERS who work during a strike are those who are "Crossing the Picket Lines."

Customers do not "cross the picket lines."

"Scabs" are non-union workers filling in for striking union workers.

Customers are not "scabs", unless of course they pickup a mop and take a paycheck.

The strikers and the reporters don't even seem to know what the hell is going on.



Dave.

[kei2]

you can take it literally though, because the protesting workers form a [physical] picket line. a customer going through the doors would necessitate him/her "crossing" that "line".

[whitak24]

you're definitely right about the definition of scabs, but i'm not sure about "crossing the picket line". formally, the definition is correct, but in common usage i think the phrase often used to describe patronizing an establishment at which the workers are striking.

[Dave_7]

Originally posted by whitak24
you're definitely right about the definition of scabs, but i'm not sure about "crossing the picket line". formally, the definition is correct, but in common usage i think the phrase often used to describe patronizing an establishment at which the workers are striking.

I'm fairly sure that the traditional use of "crossing the picket lines" refers to workers going against union wishes and working for the employer during a strike. I've been wrong before, though.

And I can't think of one strike where the purpose of the picket line was to intimidate the consumers. The stories of striking employees bad-mouthing customers are unbeliveable. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.



Dave.

[gear02]

Originally posted by Dave_7

And I can't think of one strike where the purpose of the picket line was to intimidate the consumers. The stories of striking employees bad-mouthing customers are unbeliveable. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.


Remember the grocery baggers strike in the simpsons? :D

[Dave_7]

Originally posted by gear02
Remember the grocery baggers strike in the simpsons? :D

I stand corrected :P



Dave.