Strike Support
Feb 11 2006 00:57
Ok. So it's looking as though it's pretty probable that Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) workers will be going on an illegal strike this coming week, and myself and some of the other anarchists I'm active with have been talking about doing some strike support.
...Thing is, what does that actually involve? Bringing donuts and coffee to the picket lines? Organizing large groups of people (a black bloc or flying squad, I guess) to picket with them? Bumming out cigarettes?
Share your thoughts and experiences, or else! 
Feb 11 2006 11:11
#2
yeah, in my (limited) experience, the best thing to do is first go along for a chat. Thenh find out if there's anything you can do to practically support. Take the lead from them, but don't hide your politics.
Feb 11 2006 18:18
#3
Yeah go along to the picket lines, chat, don't ram papers down their throats. Take part in collections for funds. Getting involved with other people in setting up a hardship fund and support group are pretty much essential in my experience - particularly if in Canada, like here, unofficial action recieves no financial support from the workers union.
Feb 11 2006 18:33
#4
Above suggestions seem reasonable enough.
You could aslo write an article about it for libcom.org/news 
Feb 12 2006 16:03
#5
I don't participate in the bourgeois media 
Nah, just kidding (good one, eh!).
Thanks everybody for the suggestions. Now I've got a general idea of what to do, which is a lot better than I had before.
Feb 12 2006 18:38
#6
JDMF wrote:
If they have a picket you could join that - but dont do like the trots do and use it inly as a paper selling exercise or push your own political banners
I'd say that's the most important thing anyones suggested.
In my humble opinion, you should turn up with a few banners which express support - working class solidarity etc. - but try to keep your politics quite unless someone enquires about them.
That way you won't look like a salesman, which is how the "Trots" always come across - that and opportunists who want to get their fat arses in a nice Parliamentary seat!
Also, I'd say it would be best to just go as an "Individual Anarchist" separate of any organisation. People will be less inclined to think you are "selling something" and in my opinion organisations should only join strikes when asked.
Feb 12 2006 19:37
#7
oh here's the strike for anyone who doesn't know:
http://libcom.org/news/article.php/illegal-cupe-strike-canada-100206
in the simplest form, just walk over and tell them that they have your support, chat a bit, shake hands and leave.
If they have a picket you could join that - but dont do like the trots do and use it inly as a paper selling exercise or push your own political banners
Some general "Working class solidarity" banner wouldn't hurt though, would it?
If you are more organised, taking things like tea, doughnuts etc would be a great idea - though usually strikers have those covered. Its great though when someone brings things like that over out of solidarity.
Just from my fairly limited experience