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Strike security remains necessary for crossing the picket line during a difficult labor strike. Picket lines can be complex while employers negotiate with union leaders and attempt to conduct business despite missing a large portion of their workforce. In America, strikes are becoming even more common as many workers look for better deals from their employers that are in line with rising costs of living.
Employers experiencing a strike or expecting strike action in the near future should exercise caution and ensure that all parties involved are safe and protected. It’s no secret that tensions can run high on the picket line. Without the right preparations, an employer could face a long line of consequences, including property damage, threats to senior leadership, and potentially complex liability issues if someone is injured.
One strike in Massachusetts has recently taken a turn for the worst as several striking workers were arrested for disorderly conduct. A unionized fleet of truck drivers took to the picket line to strike against their employer, with close to 400 demonstrators delaying traffic, forcing vendors to wait several hours, and clashing with anyone crossing the picket line. Police had to be called after many strikers became “too rowdy,” posing a risk to company property.
Aside from the obvious dips in productivity that many employers will face during a strike, picket lines can become dangerous in a matter of minutes. When frustrations are high, some striking workers may turn against their employer and cause damage to company property, vandalize vehicles, or even verbally harass vendors and temporary workers. In especially difficult strikes, executives or managers may experience threats to themselves and their loved ones, along with organized protests at their homes. Even if the strike action is considered legal, it’s very easy for striking workforces to bend the rules and let emotions dictate their actions.
If an employer’s workforce is striking, the employer still must maintain a moral and legal obligation to create a safe workplace, despite strike action. If vendors or strikers are injured while on the picket line, employers could face complicated liability issues and be legally held responsible for any incident causing bodily harm. It’s in the best interest of employers to ensure that all parties play by the rules and to hold striking workers accountable for their actions.
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding employers experiencing a strike.
Every employer should plan for strike action, even if there are no rumblings among their workforce about a strike or unionization attempt. Inflation has driven up the costs of living across North America, and as one unionized workforce strikes, others may follow suit. It simply is a matter of time before unions are forced to seek better deals from their employers so that workers can make ends meet.
Contingency planning alongside a specialized third party can outline every detail of what your business will do in the event of a strike. Many security companies can provide picket line management and security teams to ensure strikers do not harm remaining employers crossing the picket line, while security services such as executive protection can ensure senior leaders can conduct their business safely.
Evidence gathering is often overlooked by employers but is an essential part of holding strikers accountable and documenting any damage that has occurred. A simple security guard with a video camera can ensure that strikers respect the property and all those crossing the picket line.
Picket line management services, including security guards, access control systems, and protective drivers can help mitigate potential dangers during a strike. Qualified security companies often have relationships with local law enforcement and can work alongside police to ensure a safe environment.
With the right legal guidance, employers can file a court injunction in order to bring a strike to an end. The legal rights of employers and striking workers are a delicate matter that must be navigated with proper legal counsel.
AFIMAC is an employer’s partner during difficult strikes, offering full-service solutions that include strike management, security, protective drivers, and legal resources to help resolve a strike as soon as possible. We continue to work alongside several major employers in the United States facing complex strike action, capable of providing security resources, contingency planning, and court injunctions. We can help any employer navigate the difficulties of union negotiations and labor turmoil.
If you require strike security services, contact Jim Rovers from AFIMAC at jrovers@afimaccan.com. We would be happy to discuss your options and can dispatch resources to your job site anywhere in North America.
Close protection agent shortages are putting some of the nation’s most high-profile individuals at risk. While labour shortages complicate supply chains and industries, RCMP shortages are poised to complicate the lives of Canadian politicians at all levels of government. Many major media outlets are reporting that security agent shortages are a growing cause for concern, as even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s security teams are short-staffed. The end result could put Prime Minster Trudeau and his family at risk.
Labour shortages in Canada are not exclusive to the service sectors and are creeping into more skilled workforces. As Canadian politicians are faced with increased frustrations from the general public, security incidents across the country could rise alongside them. Ensure you are protected from a number of growing security concerns tied to the work of politics.
Mainstream media reports that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is experiencing labour shortages of up to 25% of their security forces, with limited solutions available to address the needs of Canada’s politicians. Those in the public eye are often faced with verbal and physical harassment, which, if left unchecked, could turn into violent assault. While the RCMP continues to expedite its recruitment efforts, the needs of politicians continue to outpace their hiring process.
Close protection agents bring along specialized training to manage risks and address threats against the politicians they protect. Many of these security agents have extensive security training, law enforcement experience, and driver training that can ensure the safety of elected officials. Their skill sets are unique and require years of specialized training and experience. For the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, these ongoing labour shortages mean that politicians will need to revise their schedules and cancel public appearances should they not have access to the right security forces. Further, labour shortages can place incredible strain on existing workers, hurting morale and eventually causing burnout. The RCMP will need to explore solutions alongside private security companies that can offer relief to ongoing labour shortages.
Canada is faced with several issues that could turn the general public against local, provincial, and federal politicians. Increasing recessionary fears among the public could have everyday people turning against their politicians. Online threats can grow into something more problematic, and social media allows disgruntled groups of people to organize and protest politicians at a remarkably fast pace. In some cases, protestors can track the movements of prominent politicians and plan a demonstration in a matter of hours.
Growing instances of strikes and labour shortages, including the province of Ontario’s use of the notwithstanding clause to override strike action, is likely to negatively impact a politician’s public perception. Many Canadian politicians should be preparing now to address security concerns related to strike action. AFIMAC continues to monitor online chatter in regard to contentious Canadian politics and can even predict the movements of protestors before they threaten your well-being.
AFIMAC maintains extensive databases of skilled workers from both Canada and the United States to address labour shortages facing the RCMP. When your organization’s recruitment efforts are unable to keep pace with security demands, AFIMAC is unique in that its database of skilled security specialists can step in to manage challenges and ensure the safety of Canadian politicians. AFIMAC also handles all the logistics and even provides temporary workforces with accommodations.
We maintain a suite of security solutions that can help address security concerns, often on short notice. We can work alongside you and your family to offer protective security services for the workplace, public appearances, travel, and even your home. Find peace of mind that comes with the security services of AFIMAC that are tailored to your needs.
Explore a wide range of security solutions for Canadian politicians by contacting Jim Rovers directly at jrovers@afimaccan.com.
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