How to run a succesful picket

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A. Before the picket

  1. Leaflets: Download http://goo.gl/fUBzw
  2. Placards and big marker pens: bring spares so people can make their own. See reverse.
  3. Donation buckets: put coins in to rattle, write “donations” on it.
  4. Megaphone: check the batteries!
  5. Noise makers: whistles, buckets and spoon etc
  6. Organise media
  7. Sign up list and clipboard: name, email, cell, union
  8. Hi-Vis vests to look cool in, and
  9. If you can a portable sound system: positive upbeat music

B. At the picket

1. Brief supporters on action: Explain the issue, key messages, right to protest and plan for action: getting toots, donations, the word out and media. Identify roles: media spokesperson, police liaison, picket captain, etc. If there are enough people we may go to additional stores.

2. Tell workers/manager about the event: Go into the store as a group/send two picketers to tell the manager our demands. Let workers know the protest is not against them. Send 2 other picketers to local business/residents to apologies for noise and let them know they can complain to McDs.

3. Tooting makes the best pickets: Focus on getting toots. Use big toot signs in visible locations. Jiggle and point at them, do honking motions, wave and cheer in thanks. Toots are like dominos.

4. Talking, chanting and noise making: Let people know what the picket is about regularly. To maintain picket energy and save your voices: chant, talk, make noise, chant, talk, make noise etc. Rotate megaphone users. Tell your personal story or read the leaflet out.

5. Actively hand out leaflets/get donations: Approach politely and explain the situation while giving the leaflet. Give personal stories and be polite if they are rude/don’t want a leaflet. Put coins into donations box and jiggle to make noise. Tell them their donations are essential. Ask them to call 0900 LOCKOUT number if they have no $$$.

6. Contact local media if they haven’t come yet.

7. Take picture and video: they tell 1000 words of solidarity. Get photos that are fun, of individuals and a group photo at the end. Take good ones for the media.

8. Moving from driveway when asked by police:If the police ask you to move off a driveway you must do so.

9. Collect details: Get names, phone number and email of picketers so it’s easier to get people for next time!

10. Finish the picket with a chant: Bring everyone together for a final chant and then group photo. Invite anyone interested to a debrief at a local café.

C. After the picket

  1. Debrief at local pub: good/bad, lessons for next time, keen participants and what’s next?
  2. Upload photos/video: send us a link or your best photos to cmplockout@nzctu.org.nz
  3. Write report: let us/media know what happened – send to your new action email list
  4. Send donations: Call Simon Oosterman on 021 885 410 or Kiwi Bank it: "Disputes Fund" at 38-9007-0894028-08

D. Placards

  • Use corflute (Real Estate signs and election signs) or white cardboard and a big black marker pen.
  • Use big black marker pens or paint
  • The best size is A2 (twice the size of A3) or bigger

Essential placards

  • TOOT 4 SUPPORT (At least four of them)
  • 0900 LOCKOUT
  • NO ANZCO UNHAPPY MEALS.COM (Free advertising of website!)

Other placards ideas

  • 20% PAY CUTS SUCK
  • ANZCO McLOCK OUT
  • GREEDY ANZCO LOCKED OUT WORKERS
  • McDS CAN STOP ANZCO LOCKOUT

E. Chants

CALL: We don't want your unhappy meal,
RESPONSE: We just want a fair pay deal

CALL: When workers rights are under attack:
RESPONSE: Stand up fight back

CALL: The workers, united
RESPONSE: Will never be defeated

CALL: When they say cut back,
RESPONSE: We say fight back

CALL: Cut back!
RESPONSE: Fight back!

CALL: Cut, cut, cut back!
RESPONSE: Fight, fight, fight back!

CALL: What do we want?
RESPONSE: Fair pay!
CALL: When do we want it?
RESPONSE: Yesterday!

CALL and RESPONSE:
We don’t want your burger meals
You don’t know how lockout feels
Make a stand along with us
Put a stop to all this fuss
(Thanks Allison!)