Photo Op

Today started off with the usual AUPE picketer behaviour; blocking the security vehicle from coming in for an inordinate length of time; first just a few of them shortly after 7 am, then a larger group of them past 9am.  Mostly AUPE imports; only 2 of the striking care staff were seen at all today.  Their blocking the security vehicle has led to at least one member recently being for to miss DATS four times.

For those who don't know about how DATS works, trips have to be prearranged well in advance.  Many of our members need to book DATS to get to medical appointments.  If they miss their pick up, it can be days before new arrangements can be made.  This is not a minor inconvenience, but actions that have potentially drastic consequences.  

There was the usual 4 hour lunch break.  Then, this afternoon, there was a sudden influx of AUPE members in for a photo shoot.  None of them were the actual striking care staff.  They were pointing at the banners and making Charlie's Angels poses for the camera.  I figure we can expect a new, slick, expensive media campaign from the AUPE Goliath, once again trying to portray themselves as David; innocent victims of Big Bad Artspace.  Or will they blame SAIL?  They don't seem to be able to tell the difference between the two.

Towards the end of their day, a child was once again seen on the picket line.  He's been here before.  Poor kid looks bored out of his skull, hanging out with the Hive Cluster.

I am not alone in wondering just what they think they are accomplishing by doing this stuff.  Besides alienating people that would actually have supported them, had they behaved like decent human beings from the beginning, that is.  How utterly pointless, that they resort to harassing people who have nothing to do with what they are picketing for, and even those that do have no say or control.  They waste hour after hour of their lives, picketing our homes, aiming their barbs at people who could have been allies.

It's rather sad and pathetic, really.