To think if you are striking you should be on the picket line?

[Groovee]

I'm not 100% striking but I do believe if you choose to strike then you are on the picket line for your shift! My mother is striking being a civil servant and is a union rep and said "I'll be home by 9am as my stint is 7-8.30am! We can shop then!"

When the nursery nurses were striking in 2004, friends off mine often took off shopping or going out for lunch. They didn't quite like me saying that wasn't what striking was about.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

YABU. Where I grew up, you could always tell if the local factory was on strike - all the gardens were suddenly well-kempt. :)

[OddBoots]

Aren't there now limits to numbers on picket lines to prevent intimidation of those not striking and to prevent public disorder? Sounds fair that everyone gets a turn to picket for a shift.

[PrincessJenga]

Yabu. I'm a teacher. My issue is with the government not the school or the children I teach. There is no way in the world I would stand on a picket line at a school gate and expect children to decide whether to cross it or not. The teacher's unions have arranged marches, rallies etc, which seem like much more appropriate ways to get the message across than picket lines (in this example)

[CurrySpice]

I don't think picketing a school is very appropriate tbh although I do love a good picket!!

[mnistooaddictive]

The ones who are lazy are not the ones striking. I have a friend who chooses not to strike knowing that enough of his colleagues will be to ensure the school is shut. He gets a day off anyway but keeps his pay. To me he is am example of the lazy ones!

[Riveninside]

Most cities have rallies and marches. Thats where strikers should be. Im off in a minute.

[worraliberty]

A lot them won't be able to picket because they'll be looking after their own kids..if their schools are shut too.

[wordfactory]

I suspect the Andy Murray match will have record veiwing numbers.

[meditrina]

What Murray match? It's Women's semifinals today!

[cjbartlett]

wordfactory - you're a day late

[chuckeyegg]

DH is picketing, not a school though.

[wordfactory]

I thought he was playing Rafa today? No?

[GeekCool]

Nope, he is playing tomorrow.
I'm in two minds, I kind of think yes if you are striking you should be actively striking, but because it's mainly in schools I'm not sure it's 'right' to picket there.

[sausagesandmarmelade]

YABU...

Your mother is certainly doing her bit AND let's not forget she'll be losing a days pay in the bargain.

Hope she's not intending to buy you anything...you really don't deserve it!

[FebreezeYourJeans]

I don't think you should picket schools, intimidating children but you should be prepared to join your local march, rally, demo.

My best friend is taking her child with her on the march (although he is 9yrs not 5 or 6)

[BooyHoo]

i thought the legal limit of people at a picket line was 6?

[crazygracieuk]

It's not appropriate for the teachers to have a picket line- especially when a third of schools are partially open. If it was up to the kids all schools would be shut today. Why should they have to cross a picket line or feel intimidated by the sight of a large group of teachers outside school looking angry?
My son's teacher will be demonstrating in Central London today which is where she should be.

[Ormirian]

Striking is about withdrawing your labour. Not about standing around braziers and brandishing placards.

[LaurieFairyCake]

The striking teachers are not getting paid

[crazygracieuk]

Surely striking involves letting others know that you disagree with the other side. If the other side doesn't know your opinion, what's the point of striking? I an shocked by the post about nqt teachers needing someone to explain the strike/pensions etc!!