Crossing a picket line, should I?

Question

My local grocery store is going on strike. I don't work there, never have, nor am I a member of any union. They want a pay raise, which I would support, but there's not real way for me to make that happen. My local grocery store is the only place in town where I can get a great many things, and I don't drive to find it elsewhere. I also work 12 hour graveyard shifts, making it difficult to make a day of just shopping somewhere else. What can I do??

Answer 1

I suggest you think of other alternatives. There is a good chance the store will close.  It might open later if the strike goes all summer.  

However the law says the strike can't start for 3 days so perishable food can be sold off.  I'd go in and stock up so you are prepared and maybe get some deals.

Edit:  Looks like they are negotiating again and staying open.

Answer 2

I don't know your location.

In Canada, if you are a Union member, crossing the picket line is a "deadly sin"!!!

That being said, there is no direct impact for you (not a unionised employee). In my opinion, continue shopping as long as they stay open and sell. If they close because of a strike they may not open again ...

Expect verbal abuse from the picketers if you try to enter.

I spent 18 year in union negotiations (obviously on the other side of the table) - sometimes there is no common ground.