EditorAlthough it is legal for workers to cross a union picket line in order to earn a living during a strike, it is one of the most hated actions by nearly every union.
In Wisconsin, where the United Auto Workers has been striking Kohler for more than two weeks, more than a dozen workers have begun crossing the UAW picket lines to feed their families.
This has not sat well with the striking UAW members.
As a result, the UAW has distributed a ‘scab’ list to its members—along with a warning not to “cause trouble,” according to the Sheboygan Press.
UAW Local 833 President Tim Tayloe said Tuesday that the list was distributed by union leaders at the request of members, though he said he has been clear with the union’s rank and file to not cause trouble.
“I said, ‘No harm to these people.’ I have to represent everyone fairly,” Tayloe said. “The people in there chose to cross (the picket line) … but nobody said to harm anybody. This is not the 1940s.”
However, as the list began circulating on social media, it was immediately met with insults and at least one call to “slash their tires.”
Tayloe indicated that such actions won’t be tolerated.
“If there’s any damage of property, I will handle that with members if I find out who or what,” Tayloe said. “I don’t condone that.” [Empahsis added.]
Of course, usually when a ‘scab’ has damage done to his or her property, witnesses tend to be rather scarce.
As a result, if incidences do occur, it will be difficult for the UAW to actually do anything to members who violate the UAW’s orders—if the union even bothers to try.
More here.
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