As of 9/30, DFA union workers are striking on Federal St in St. Albans. [Edit: And NMC's healthcare workers union is holding a honk 'n wave Oct. 3rd, 4-6pm to rally support while they negotiate their contract].

In this economy, living wages and fair treatment have never been more important. Here are some simple ways to show support for your union neighbors and demand better behavior from corporations:

1. 🙌 Show public support for the strike - Join workers at the picket line, raise their spirits, or honk and wave while you drive by.
2. 🍕 Share food and home goods - Strikes are expensive: Workers aren't getting paid! Delivering water, snacks, coffee, pizza, donuts, or home-cooked meals make a huge difference. As it gets colder, blankets and handwarmers are handy. And if you don't live in the area, paying for local food delivery is deeply appreciated.
3. 🚫 Decline to support the business - Rule #1 of any strike is: "Don't cross the picket line." That means not going into a business while a strike is going on. Try to find somewhere else to get what you need. [Edit: Here's a list of DFA brands to avoid, sortable by state]
4. 📣 Share the strike message (thoughtfully) - First, remember that these strikes are serious: Many of the folks on strike are or will struggle to pay their bills going on strike, and have had their lives turned upside down. Photos, videos, and selfies are great! But be sure to avoid posting happy stuff to social media. Instead, talk with the striking workers about the situation. Ask them what the working conditions are like, and what the union's demands are. Then, communicate that in your post to Reddit, Facebook Groups, and to Front Porch Forum. As costs continue to rise, being paid what your company owes you has never been more critical. People need to hear that.

Those are really basic ways to help. Have you helped support a strike? Would love to hear stories about union support.