Joint trade union leaflet on picket lines

This is the text of the leaflet issued today by the joint Trade Union Side of Lambeth Council;

Advice to trade unionists on picket lines

UNISON members are being called upon by their trade union to take strike action in support of the joint trade union pay claim on 16 and 17 July.

Official UNISON picket lines will be mounted at Council workplaces.

This leaflet explains the views of the Council trade unions about picket lines.

Respecting picket lines

Picket lines are there to enable workers taking action to seek the support of other workers.

Many trade unionists believe that it is a point of principle that no one should cross a picket line.

This principle has been developed over many years in line with the trade unions’ belief in solidarity and that “an injury to one is an injury to all.”

Collective action

Trade unions deliver a better deal for working people by organising collectively. Individual workers trying to bargain for a better deal with the employer are in a weak position. We are stronger when we stand together.

This is also true for the trade unions collectively. Your local trade unions always try to do whatever we can to support each other, because that way we are all stronger.

What will happen to workers who refuse to cross picket lines?

Anyone who refuses to cross a picket line will lose pay in the same way as the strikers will lose pay. No other action will be taken against Council employees who refuse to cross picket lines.

The trade unions will jointly support any worker who refuses to cross an official picket line of any trade union.

Refusing to cross a picket line is a matter of conscience.

The joint trade unions will support any worker who refuses to cross a picket line.