Do's:

• Ask how you can support the picket. Most picket lines will have some kind of sign-in table where there is water, picket signs, etc. Ask one of the strike leaders what you can do to help, whether it's passing out water, join the picket line, go to a weaker picket line on the other side of the building, etc. Follow the workers’ vibes!

• Ask Questions and Listen:

• Why are these workers on strike? What are their major demands? What things have they experienced in their workplace that have led them to go on strike?

• Respect the leadership of the rank-and-file. Rank and file activism comes from the workers first and foremost. It may be intimidating for many workers to publicly demonstrate against their employer; their choices and judgment of how to proceed or conclude in a strike situation should be respected.

• Be positive! Especially if the workers announce any kind of win or gain, join in with positive energy and celebrations on the picket line. Picketing is hard work, and part of your role is to help lift everyone's spirits. 

Our role on the picket line is to support what's in front of us.

Avoid:

• Taking a leadership role. This action was initiated by and should be carried out by the workers themselves. If you are invited to make a speech or lead chants, take the opportunity. If not, avoid taking a megaphone, creating or relocating picket lines, or implementing a tactic not taken by strike leaders unless asked to do so.

• Using tactics not authorized by the leaders of the strike. This comes with respecting the leadership of the rank-and-file and not taking on an aggressive leadership role. Workers have discussed and decided on their tactics; our role is to support, not question them during their action.

• Clustering with the people you know. Circulate throughout the strike, ask workers questions about the issues, and find out how you can help.