A friend of mine just announced that they and their co-workers are going on a strike to protest poor working conditions and pay.
What are some concrete steps I can do to support them? What are some things they can do to ensure the strike gets attention and is successful?
primary thing $$$
it’s what will ultimately make or break the strike. people start getting desperate when they are behind on their rent
Show solidarity with them. First things first is don’t give that business any money until the workers win.
Have they talked to any union organizers, or are they going it wildcat? If they don’t have real support behind them to help pay bills etc, the strike will fold quickly and likely be unsuccessful - the boss just has to outlast them. Strike funds are crucial for this reason. If the workers don’t have a way to meet their needs, they’ll lose.
Local social media and news outlets are good places to broadcast the strike. Talk to people at similar businesses and see if they can join the strike.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Have they talked to any union organizers, or are they going it wildcat?
Not sure! I know they have an official union rep, but I don’t know if they’re a formal union with real support. I’ve asked and will reply again once I find out!
Local social media and news outlets are good places to broadcast the strike. Talk to people at similar businesses and see if they can join the strike.
Absolutely! I asked if they have a web page or official statement that can be shared with local news orgs. I don’t think they do yet, but I’m pushing them to get one out!
Set up a strike fund
It depends on the form of strike. Are they outside with “Krusty Krab Is Funfair” signs? Are they sitting at home playing solitaire? Did they join the rival business?
They cannot join a rival business (nature of the industry / position they’re in) and they are picketing.
I could probably take a day off work and show up with food / water. Not sure how helpful that is?
That’s probably more helpful than you think. It’s often a little discouraging to be out there and watching most of the world just pass by with indifference. Even a couple chirps of a car horn or a high five from a passing stranger helps
Walking the line with them is helpful. A strike with community support will pretty nearly always be more successful than one without.
Excellent! I’ll definitely do that! Thanks for the feedback.
Its probably too late now, but if the workers had set obstacles against the offending business in advance. That on top of having all the workers in the business not working would really put “the man” in a bind.
