I’m happy the strike at Casino Regina is finished. I’m happy for both the picketers and the customers of the Casino.
I don’t think a decision to strike is one made lightly. It affects the workers lives immensely. People have bills and mortgages to pay, which is tough to do with only strike wages coming in, but it’s “all for one and one for all.”
I always believed to have a successful strike you need the public on your side. If people symathize with you, there’s a good chance you’ll get what you’re looking for. Don’t antagonize the public.
I’d heard stories from friends going to the Casino during the strike how they were harrassed walking up to the Casino. Plus, for those who drove, the picketers would purposely walk very slowly to impede their entrance. Why?
The striker’s beef was with the government, not the customers, so why harrass them? Whomever gave the OK for that action is a bit of a bonehead and really doesn’t understand the “art” of the strike. If you want the public behind you, then don’t alienate it!
A strike is never pretty, but it is legal, and in most cases it is the only way to go. Take your frustrations out on the people who deserve it, not the innocents.
If you’ll be spearheading a strike in the future, remember this very important rule. Keep the general public on your side! If you lose the support of the public, you’re in trouble.
