Picket Line FAQ

If you haven’t been before, coming alone to a picket line can be daunting! Whereas protests often have a clear beginning, middle, and end involving speakers and marches, picket lines can be less linear. 

The good news is that the picket line is a fun and welcoming space. What’s more, when you come to the picket line, you are directly contributing to perhaps the most important element of a successful strike: worker morale! 

It’s normal for workers on strike to go through waves of disillusionment, exhaustion, and isolation. The more workers feel isolated and defeated, the more likely they are to settle for a weaker contract. So when we show up—whether with food, supplies, or just a listening ear—we are helping workers win! 

You don’t need to prepare to join the picket line, but if you want to, here are some things you can bring, expect, or do when you arrive:

What can I bring?

Bring anything you think would be useful or beneficial to people who are outside for extended periods of time! 

Supplies: 

• Disposable Cutlery

• paper plates

• paper towels

• Sunscreen

• hand sanitizer

• disposable cups 

Food + drink: 

• Fresh cooked meals, with an emphasis on vegetables + healthy food!

• Non-perishable items (for workers to take home)

• Snacks 

• Bottled beverages

Where do I bring supplies?

In general, you can simply say hello to whomever you first meet on the picket line, and they’ll direct you! 

More specifically, you can bring fresh-cooked food and related supplies to the Blackstone Grill, which sets itself each day in the park area of Blackstone Boulevard across from the Butler Campus entrance. If you are driving north up towards the picket line, this will be on your left. You can bring non-perishables and other supplies to the tables set up next to the entrance of the campus.

What is the picket line like?

The picket line is a small loop of people walking back and forth the crosswalks in front of Butler’s campus. Traditionally, picket lines serve as a barrier between the workplace and anyone trying to enter. In this case, picketers are not blocking anyone from entering the campus, but, depending on who is crossing, we don’t want to make it easy or enjoyable. You can expect to see workers booing vans and buses entering the campus with droves of scabs. Workers might ignore or cheer on other vehicles–these might be patients, elderly residents of the Butler campus, or sympathetic non-unionized workers. 

On the picket line, sometimes people will start call and response chants. People sometimes walk single file, in pairs, or small groups to hold conversation. 

Beyond the picket line, many workers are resting in the park, serving or eating food, or talking with community members in various groups around the area. There is a set of porta-potties available on the southern end of the picket. Most workers wear purple and/or yellow, which are SEIU’s colors.