What does it mean to cross a picket line if you are not in that union? This is an event where people have planed for a year. Put up money for an airline ticket, set vacation time aside, reserved rooms and tables for a yearly convention. None of these people deserved to be called names or harassed in any way.

When I was on a picket line there was a constant line of cars going to work. Some were management. The others were union workers in other unions. When Boeing machinist were on strike, the other union workers still went to work. The welders, teamsters, millwrights, and spea (another union) all had their contracts and as I understand it, had to uphold their agreements to work. A lot of trucks were taking work to other states and other shops. Yes, if I saw a machinist crossing the line, I would call them a scab. Also a few of the spea people would do machinist jobs when asked by management. I would consider them scabs also, but I would be more concerned about the work they did and if the aircraft was still flight worthy! The three times that I was on strike I wasn't looking for more money. I only wanted my medical insurance paid for and with no co-pay.

This seems to be one of the first things that a company goes after, and the union asks for higher wages in return. I never understood why they didn't team up and go after the higher cost of the insurance. If we don't stop the high cost of heath care it will be the only jobs left. Meaning that if the cost is to high for a company to make a profit in this country that the product will be made else were. If a company wants loyalty and support from its employees then it must be behind them (and their family) and not the bottom line. A Company should support its family (it's employees) and not penalize them for having a family at home. I have always thought the government should give a better tax break for the money spent on the insurance, so the company would be more willing to keep this cost, and cut back somewhere else.

I will cross a picket line in front of a casino because I didn't vote or have a say in what they are striking for. I am going in for the service the casino offered to me. To gamble with the dealers who are honoring their contract with their employer. If I am dissatisfied with my room or service I will tell the casino not the union. To tell a person not to go into a casino because a hotel & cutlery union is on strike is like saying don't fly because Boeing machinist are on strike.
David
R3663