How to Stay Safe During a Strike

Labor unrest can lead to a strike if no meeting of the minds can be reached. Though a last resort and a complicated process, a strike is a way to exercise your rights and create a change for the better at your company and in your community. Much like any event that draws a crowd, safety is an important issue and needs to be addressed before the strike begins.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Listen to your union leader or labor strike organizer. They know what they are doing, are familiar with the laws, and are there to create a successful strike, which means they are there to create a safe strike that ends as quick as possible and protects your interests.
2. Know your rights. There are some actions protected by federal law during a labor strike, while many others are illegal and are a quick ticket to jail. Get educated before you go on the picket line and educate others as well.
3. Use common sense. Don't provoke anybody into a physical attack. Violence is never the best solution, no matter who said what. If a scuffle occurs, make room or help to break up the fight, and call the authorities if they aren't already on site.
4. Remember that the police are your friends. They're there to do their job and are just trying to keep the peace. Strikes are inevitably tense situations and a lot can go wrong. Treat the police with respect and if a situation occurs where they need to do their job, get out of their way and let them work or you might risk your safety and your cause.
5. Ignore mouthy bystanders whenever possible. Don't allow yourself to be pushed into a verbal argument by somebody who isn't even involved in the event as they are probably uninformed and reacting to a crowd with an opinion. Just let them speak their mind and move on. If they don't move on, ask an officer to help them go on their way.
6. Dress for the weather if you are picketing. Use common sense and plan accordingly. Picketing is hard enough as it is without adding heatstroke and frostbite into the mix.