The best way to avoid a strike is to have a strong strike mandate. It's easier to bargain, to play "chicken" when you know you have your membership behind you.

The best way to avoid a strike is to have a strong strike mandate. It's easier to bargain, to play "chicken" when you know you have your membership behind you. It's not easy to threaten a strike when you have a 60% vote, for example. A union's power is in solidarity.