Blondiescot
So who would cross a picket line then? I know I wouldn't.
Over the years, in order to get to where I needed to do my work, I have had to cross a couple of picket lines and pass through various demonstrations. To the passer-by, they would generally have appeared to be good natured affairs, with much hooting and tooting, singing and banner waving. On each (quite separate) occasion where I crossed a picket line, I actually had nothing to do with the organisation whose people were on strike, but needed to get into the place it shared with my destination. So far as I was concerned, I was not 'crossing' their line. That made no difference to those strikers who attempted both vocally and physically to intimidate me from doing so. They were not interested in hearing my explanation, and I will never forget the visceral hatred in the face of one particular individual who screamed and spat at me as I passed. By contrast, the various demonstrations I had to negotiate were actually aimed specifically against the nature of my business, but I never experienced the same level of intimidation as I made my way through. So - whilst I absolutely uphold anyone's right to withhold their labour - I'm afraid I cast rather a jaundiced eye at ostensibly merry picket lines.