Well, that is supposed to be what is happening but it's not. Union operation as far as negotiation, terms and conditions so to speak are actually governed by different laws depending upon the industry. Unfortunately for the NFL refs, their union is trying to negotiate with a single owner of a monopoly that is exempt from all anti-trust laws and can therefore operate without regard to legal recourse. Long boring stuff, the thing is, historically, crossing a picket line is absolutely unforgivable in the minds of union and even some non-union people. This is a long standing rule among trade workers. Crossing a picket line where there is still strong union presence can be harmful to your career and health.
Unfortunately, people that don't have a reason to educate themselves about what unions did for labor in this country tend to disregard their importance and eschew them publicly. People won't walk on the grass at the Kentucky Derby but they'll completely ignore the picket line where employees have been locked out of their jobs. Strange priorities sometimes.
Cheers Jon
