Can Union Fine Non-Strikers?

[Vern1961]

Debate on this at work yesterday. Barrack room lawyers reckon if you're in the union and they call a strike but elect to work (your own job/booked shift, not someone else's) the union can punish or even fine you for crossing the picket line. YouGov site on employment seems to indicate otherwise.

Who is right and who is wrong plus what level of "fine" could you expect for crossing a picket line to do your own job? Presumably less than a day's loss of pay/standing with your employer.

 

[Vern1961]

Thanks for clarifying. Agree it could lead to a very difficult situation if you don't want to offend your fellow workers (and end up making your own tea for the rest of your career) but at the same time if you personally feel the cause isn't righteous or a battle you can't win, going against an employer who has actually been pretty good to you personally. At this stage, just gathering the facts to make an informed decision should it come to that (and the TSSA ballot result isn't announced until next week anyway).

 

[Vern1961]

Excellent hard talk debate, with no easy answer it seems.

Scab and risk alienating your colleagues (assuming the majority of them are out) plus potentially jeopardise your union legal representation if you need it. Everyone thinks it won't happen to them but like car insurance better to have it than not particularly in the face of an ascendant management style.

Go out and while covered legally for 72 days, doesn't mean to say the employer might not make life more difficult in future. Also while a couple of days sat in the sunshine might not hurt the pocket too much if the cause is just, what if it escalates and one day a fortnight turns to two a week? What if the management decide to lock out the striking staff and you're sat at home with mortgage arrears building and no money coming in (not something strike pay will cover). The 80's/90's Tories knew what they were doing when they encouraged working people into home ownership!

Rock and a hard place comes to mind really, but on balance think I'd better buy some wood and cardboard ready for the placard .