So the union where I work has been going out on strike. Anybody here have experience with this, from either side of the picket line?

As a fellow traveller who comes from a family of trade unionists (miners in case anyone was interested) I would highly recommend you show solidarity to the strike. You do not have to necessarily join the picket line (although this will no doubt be appreciated) but it is important you don't scab during the strike. Where I'm from like there's nowt worse than a worker who scabs and undermines the strike thus lowering the effectiveness of the strike and the betterment of workers in your workplace. Obviously I don't know the reasons for your unions strike but I would assume its for better pay/working conditions and thus you should wholeheartedly support it to help your fellow workers. Solidarity's important especially during strikes, if it weren't for militant action we'd no doubt be still in workhouse 7 days a week. God speed friend, hope something good comes of it.

Don't scab, attend meetings, be a voice of reason, don't get angry unless it serves a purpose.

Also maybe look for another job? If your current one is going on strike, it's probably not a good sign. I dunno though, I've never worked for a union. If I thought a job was shit, I'd just leave.

I agree with what people here have said. Don't become a scab, but also find another job. I do not recommend Union jobs. I have had to deal with unions in the past and my experience was extremely negative. I worked for a company making roller coasters. We were in charge of repairing one in a union area. Such bullshit! Because it was on a lift, there were two people we had to hire for operating the lift and making sure it was safe. Then we had to hire 1 guy to do the welding and then another guy to grind the welds. It took twice as long and cost far too much. For example, the welder would go up the lift weld the part of the track that was broken. Come down the lift, unload the welding equipment. Then the grinder would go up the lift, grind the weld, grind away all the scag. Then if the welder needed to go back up and redo some work, the welding equipment was loaded back on the lift, the welder would go back up and rinse, repeat.

Unions are ruining this countries work force. There was a time where I understand the benefits because of the way companies operated and were short changing people. But now they have too much of a hold on the way things work.

As a union girl myself, be strong with your union. My industry is dangerous, but in the past it was far worse. It is through strikes and deals that the next generation coming in like myself is able to go to work with certain protections and benefits. It sucks for the individual when a union goes on strike, but if you want to enjoy the benefits that come with the brotherhood/sisterhood of a union you sometimes face consequences.

Only advise I can offer is stuff for the future or hindsight. Make a good savings in case this ever happens again. A few months in bills, food, mortgage/rent and insurance payments. I understand this might seem daunting, but after two years I have set myself up for being out of work for 4 months with no outside income in case something like this happens... the UMD fund does help me with this... I admit...

Don't look four outside work with a non union trade in the meantime, but do try to snag some side jobs if you can. Hold strong with your union. Strikes are meant to protect you.

Well the tricky part is I'm not actually in the union any more. I got promoted a few years ago and am now considered a managers. So I'm not protected if I strike, and can be fired if I don't show up to work. Not sure if that makes me a scab.

In that case, you're part of the employer that they're striking against, not a scab. Best practice is still to not cross picket lines, but it's a different situation. That said, it's up to your comrades to decide whether they want to recognize the difference. Expect a cold shoulder at best.

If you work for the employer and not the union then you aren't a scab if you still work.

I would say to bring water and things to work for the strikers. Let them know that even though you are in management you still support their cause. Plus, I can't see anyone having an issue with you bringing water for people to stay hydrated. It is a health concern, plus it is just good business to recognize your employees concerns are valid.

Assuming it is a 1-day to start with take a days leave. Obviously you can't do that if it extends.

This is great advice. They might reject it, and your bosses might growl at you, but on a human level it's worth a shot and is a nice gesture.

What NorthernWam said, I'm also from a mining area and scabbing was not a great idea. Times have moved on but support your union, that's what they are there for.

Solidarity forever

Becoming quietly impressed with Stella, for many reasons.