LOCAL S6 ON STRIKE- PICKET LINE PROTOCOL

Jun 21, 2020 | LL S6 Leadership Alerts, Negotiations

PICKET LINE DO’s AND DON’Ts

We aim to communicate a positive message and a positive image of Local S6. Certain conduct, described below, works against our goal of a positive strike, can have serious financial consequences, and will not be tolerated. Picketers must comply with the following instructions:

1. There will be a designated Union staff member in charge of the picket line. You are to follow his/her instructions at all times.

2. Before picketing, check the entrances of the picket site for a strike captain. Unless directed by the designated strike captain, you may picket only at the gate that identifies the contractor you are picketing.

3. If a separate gate or a new entrance is established after you start picketing, notify the designated Strike captain immediately.

4. Do not, in any way, obstruct entrances or exits of the premises. Do not interfere with, or swarm, persons or vehicles entering or leaving the job.

5. Hold no conversations with any truck drivers or other persons who attempt to make deliveries to projects or remove material from projects.

6. Do not, in any way, encourage or induce people to leave the project or to quit work on the project.

7. The precise number of pickets allowable will depend on the size of the area to patrol. Keep the size reasonable. Gathering/swarming in large intimidating groups can lead to limits on the number of pickets and/or monetary damages.

8. You are only to carry the picket sign provided by Local S6. Do not bring your own picket sign nor alter in any fashion the one provided.

9. If you leave the designated picket area, leave your picket sign behind, cover it, or return it to the union hall.

10. Picketing is confined to public areas surrounding the employer’s premises, at the designated picketing areas. As a general rule, there should be no picketing on private property or in the streets. The picket sign should never go near a gate reserved for other contractors.

11. Conduct picketing only where you have been directed by the designated strike captain.

12. Be enthusiastic in your support of the strike. Chanting and yelling is ok, so long as your chants and yells do not contain threats, slurs, or other forms of harassment based on ethnic or national origin, color, race, religion, gender/sex, sexual orientation, etc.

13. Bells and whistles are encouraged. Do not use any drums or sound amplification devices as they are prohibited unless specifically authorized by Local S6.

14. With regard to chants about the strike, the following is approved: “Local S6 on strike, BIW unfair.” No other details should be given. Questions or requests for more specific information should be referred to the designated Union representative. Unauthorized, stray remarks can be very costly. Please direct them to the communicator Tim Suitter. Or President Chris Wiers.

15. Do not record any automobile or truck license or any other identifying information with regard to those who enter or leave the premises.

16. Do not engage in arguments. Avoid confrontations. Do not make physical contact with anyone under any circumstances. Do not throw anything at the picket site.

17. Do not behave in an intimidating manner. This includes, but is not limited to, carrying picket signs in a threatening manner, displaying weapons, following individuals to and from the picket site, making comments/references about individuals’ families, and making such comments as “we know who you are”, “we know where you live”, “accidents happen on job sites”, and “we will remember you”, etc.

18. Do not photograph or videotape people entering or leaving the premises. Do not bring cameras or recording devices to the picket line.

19. Alcohol, drugs, and weapons of any kind are prohibited on the picket line. Do not come to the picket line under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

20. Do not litter. Maintain a clean picket area. Do not scatter nails or tacks, or other material around the picket area.

21. Do not tamper with private property in or around the picket area.

22. Do not engage in unnecessary conversation with anyone other than pickets. Refer all questions to the designated Union representative.

23. In the event, you are approached by law enforcement, be cooperative, and refer them to the designated Union representative.

24. If in doubt about any of the above, contact the designated strike captain.

Be proud of what you are doing!

 

Stay Strong!

 

You are fighting for YOUR FUTURE!

 

Local S6 Strike Information

Jun 19, 2020 | LL S6 Leadership Alerts, Negotiations

Brothers and Sisters,

Please find the below Local S6 Strike Information:

Anyone planning to picket in the Main Yard must report to the Local S6 Union Hall; 722 Washington Street, Bath, ME, 04530.

  • You must sign in and sign out using the available sign in sheets.
  • There is a four-hour minimum for picketing a week, 24/7.
  • You will be assigned a designated area and the name of a strike captain to report to.
  • The Strike captains will be wearing neon-lime green baseball hats.
  • For all off-site facilities, please report to the Harding’s gate.
  • The same rules apply as in the main yard- there is a four-hour minimum for picketing a week, 24/7.
  • If you do not sign in/out or picket, you will be ineligible for strike benefits.
  • Strike benefits are $150 per week.

Please contact the Union Hall: 207-442-2063, with any questions.

In Solidarity, Local Lodge S6 Strike Action Committee.

Machinists, Labor Coalition Call on Congress to Protect Democracy Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Jun 18, 2020 | iMail

The IAM joined other labor organizations representing millions of workers across North America calling on Congress to protect every citizen’s right to vote during these unstable times. The coalition is encouraging expanded online voter registration, extended early voting periods with safe and sanitized polling places, and increased vote-by-mail opportunities.

In a letter addressed to U.S. Senate and House leaders and sent to every member of Congress, the unions urged lawmakers to pass legislation ensuring every eligible voter is able to participate in the 2020 election amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The challenges of COVID-19 and the calls to make bold changes to the institutions of our society must start with ensuring that no voter should have to choose between their health or participating in our democracy,” the union wrote.

The unions also demand Congress address the issue of racial injustices throughout the country, including in the form of voter suppression.

“During this time of recurring social and economic disparities laid bare as a result of this pandemic, the urgency for legislation to protect and expand voting rights is also coupled with the moment of national mourning of racial injustices and the widespread mobilization against it,” the union wrote. “Voting rights and the fight for racial justice are deeply interconnected.”

 

Read the full letter here.

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