Ikea's Richmond store behind picket lines (not requiring managers to cross the picket line)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=97f1ea6f-b454-44b8-9890-23aad2ccde9a&k=26445

Ikea's Richmond store behind picket lines
Michael Kane, Vancouver Sun
Published: Monday, August 20, 2007

Ikea's flagship Richmond store is closed behind pickets today after members of Teamsters Local 213 rejected a five-year pay offer.

The union represents about 300 Ikea workers in Richmond, whose last three-year contract expired on Dec. 31, 2006.

Among contract demands is the elimination of a two-tier wage schedule introduced in the last contract that allows the company to pay lower wages to new employees.

Store manager Doug McCann said he decided to close the store rather than cause friction by requiring managers to cross the picket line.

"When this is over with we still want to work together," he said in an interview. "I still have a great deal of respect for my co-workers and I don't want to cause friction in that relationship."

McCann said the company was willing to eliminate the two-tier system over six years but that was rejected by union negotiators.

FULL story at link.

Does anyone recall a strike where managers didn't have to cross the picket line?

[madrchsod]

1. no.

it would be interesting to see if he has a job in the few days....

[BlackHawk706867]

2. With the statement by the manager..... My suggestion....

Get back to the bargaining table for F*** sakes... What the hell are you gaining by closing the damn store?

"When this is over with we still want to work together," he said in an interview. "I still have a great deal of respect for my co-workers and I don't want to cause friction in that relationship."

ww