There's a picket line today outside the building where I work. Local 32B-32J of the building workers and maintenance workers are striking. Which presents me with a very interesting option.
I am a member of NABET, the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians. Our contract has a so-called conscience clause, permitting us on an individual basis, depending on our conscience, to honor any duly authorized picket line established by an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Local 32B-32J is so affiliated.
All of this means that I have the choice of subjecting myself to the very hardships that I discussed in my last entry -- the hardships being experienced by almost three hundred thousand federal employees. Yes, I too can enjoy the luxury of risking foreclosure. I too can enjoy the thrill of being unable to celebrate the holiday season (what's left of it!). Yet I really don't feel I have much choice. For years, I have objected to the fact that DGA did not honor my own union's strike in 1987. Everyone crossed our picket line, there was no support, no solidarity, and we were left hanging out to dry, utterly alone. Everyone knows I am a strong unionist, even though I am a frequent critic of my union's leadership in private conversation. At times, I have acted before on my beliefs with respect to crossing picket lines. I remember being with a group of friends once when arriving at a restaurant we intended to patronize. There was a picket line around it, and after a lengthy 15 minute discussion, I persuaded my associates to change their minds and use another restaurant. Now, I must put my money where my mouth is.
Well, no one ever said it was easy to stick to your principles. I'm terrified that there will be retaliation from my boss. I'm terrified that no one from my shop will join me. I'm terrified that our union's lawyer may be wrong, and that while our last contract is still being honored on both sides during negotiations, the company may abrogate it at any time, for it officially expired a year ago March.
But of course there's always the hope that the gamble may pay off. Perhaps I may provide an inspiring example to my fellow workers about the meaning of being in a union. Perhaps my actions may embolden colleagues to do the same thing. Perhaps I may succeed in starting something wonderful. Perhaps it may turn out to be one of my finest hours, and a source of pride and joy for me.
But I do know one thing. I will be happier and more at peace with myself if I do this. And in the end perhaps that is all that ever really matters.
Or is it? Whether you agree, or whether you feel differently, you may write me at