breaking a strike

[cocolepew]

Has anyone ever crossed a picket line and went into work? Did it cause problems with your fellow workers?

I have only ever done it once. But it didn't cause problems because teh issue about whether teh strike was legal anyway was a very grey area. Certainly union members felt the union had been a little bit () unclear over intentions during the first ballot. Are you a member of the union?

Didn't involve crossing a picket line however since the strike was so badly suppported as per reason outlined. Have striked about 5 to 7 times though

Yes, I'm in the union. I am planning on striking-at first- but it may go on and I can't really afford to be out for too long as DH is on basic sick pay after a motorbike crash.

I broke many strikes when working in the civil service aged 16-21. Mostly because I just didn't understand the issues involved and was too busy with my social life. Mind you, this was mid/late 80s and She had all but broken the unions down. Usually the few pickets outside just nodded me through.
I expect it depends on the union involved and how committed the local reps are.

We've been balloted and it was 93% in favour of industrial action. If people don't strike, they will still benefit from a positive outcome, as it's a pay dispute.

Hmm, difficult. I really doubt that strikes will go on and on only because so many others will be in the same position as you and that they simply cannot afford to, long-term. 93% is a big show of support though. I would take it a strike at a time, see how it pans out. You shouldn't be harrassed though.

Thanks

have you approached the union saying you support the action but finnacially will struggle???

Whether you will be harrassed, will depend entirely on what sort of industry you work in. There are some industries with union members who are more strident than others. I would never have got away with it where I worked but, that was a while ago.

Your union should also have a hardship fund, maybe ask your rep, that's what they are there for.

We're all in the same boat finacially and our union is crap. This has been trying to get resolved for 10 years! I've only been back at work for a year. I'm hoping it won't go on for too long as I don't want to be going into work while the I.A. is on going.

Thanks for the advice. I'll just have to see how it pans out.

FWIW, I do understand why you'd consider crossing the picket line but I personally wouldn't do it. I know it's financially hard but the whole point of strikes is strength in numbers and getting the whole workforce to stick together and demand better pay/terms and conditions or whatever the strike may be about.

As rantinghousewife mentions, there should be a hardship fund. Check with your branch. A lot of people will be in the same boat.

What industry are you in and which union is it or would you rather not say?

Sorry missbumpy been away. Education and NIPSA.

Hope you went somewhere nice I just looked up NIPSA as I don't know much about Irish trade unions. Saw what the strike was about.

Obviously it's totally up to you what you do but it looks like it's a strike for a good cause and there's overwhelming support for it and I wouldn't be suprised if you come in for some flak if you do cross the picket line.

I'd definitely check with your union about hardship funds.

Good luck whatever you decide to do. I hope you get a good pay rise.

I've never joined a strike even though they are fairly regular occurences in my workplace. I can't anyway as I'm not in the union.But even if I was I wouldn't want to lose the money as I only work p/time.

As for being treated problematically by fellow workers, that would be illegal.

A friend heard on the radio that a pay deal had been agreed, haven't seen anything online yet, but hopfully it's been resolved. Thanks everyone for taking the time to answer.