Resolution on the Consequences of Crossing the Rent Strike or Protest Line
 

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Purpose:
This resolution outlines the official stance of the AHF Skid Row Tenants Association and Councils regarding tenants who cross the rent strike or protest line. It aims to address potential reasons for such actions, specify the consequences, and establish a process for resolution.

Resolution:
1A Social Consequences:
1. Being Labeled a "Scab":
- Tenants who cross the strike line might be labeled as "scabs," a term historically used to describe someone who undermines collective action by continuing to pay rent or otherwise breaking solidarity with the group.


2. Social Ostracism:
- Crossing the strike line can lead to social ostracism by neighbors and fellow tenants who are participating in the strike. This can result in strained relationships and a sense of isolation within the community.


3. Loss of Community Support:
- Tenants who do not participate in the strike may lose the support of tenant associations or activist groups, which could have implications for their standing in the community or access to resources and assistance.


2A Legal Consequences:
4. Potential Legal Retaliation:
- If the strike leads to negotiations or legal action, tenants who did not participate might not be covered by any legal protections or agreements that result from the strike.


5. Rent Adjustments or Eviction:
- In some cases, landlords might target non-striking tenants for rent increases or other unfavorable actions, especially if the strike gains momentum and the landlord sees them as more vulnerable.


3A Psychological Consequences:
6. Guilt or Remorse:
- Some tenants may feel guilt or remorse for not supporting the strike, especially if the strike is successful and brings about positive changes that they benefit from despite not participating.


7. Stress and Anxiety:
- Crossing the strike line can lead to stress and anxiety, particularly if the tenant feels pressured or threatened by others in the community.


4A Economic Consequences:
8. Economic Impact:
- While participating tenants might receive financial support or concessions during a strike, non-participating tenants might miss out on these benefits, facing the full burden of rent without any collective bargaining power.


5A Moral and Ethical Consequences:
9. Moral Dilemmas:
- Tenants may face moral and ethical dilemmas about crossing the strike line, especially if they believe in the cause but feel compelled to pay rent due to personal circumstances.
6A Long-term Impact:
10. Reputation Damage:
- Crossing a strike line can damage a tenant's reputation within the activist community, potentially affecting their ability to participate in future collective actions.


1B. Understanding Potential Reasons for Crossing the Line
- The tenant association recognizes that tenants may cross the rent strike or protest line due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Financial Hardship: Some tenants may feel pressured to pay rent due to fear of eviction or lack of financial resources.
- Lack of Information: A tenant may not fully understand the goals, importance, or potential outcomes of the rent strike or protest.
- Personal Circumstances: Health issues, family responsibilities, or other personal matters might compel a tenant to act against the strike or protest.
- Fear of Retaliation: Concerns about potential retaliation from the landlord or property management may influence a tenant’s decision.


2B. Consequences of Crossing the Rent Strike or Protest Line
- Social Isolation: Tenants who cross the line may face social isolation within the tenant community, as their actions could be perceived as undermining the collective effort.
- Loss of Support: The tenant may lose access to resources, support, and legal protection provided by the tenant association or other advocacy groups.
- Strained Relationships:Relationships with neighbors and fellow tenants may become strained, leading to tension and a less supportive living environment.
- Exclusion from Future Actions: The tenant may be excluded from participating in future tenant association meetings, protests, or collective actions that include Class action Lawsuits.
- Potential Retaliation: If the tenant later seeks to rejoin the strike or protest, they may face skepticism or reluctance from the rest of the community.


3B. Process for Resolution
- Initiation of Dialogue: The tenant association will initiate a dialogue with the tenant who crossed the line within 10 days of the action. The purpose of this dialogue is to understand the tenant’s reasons and to seek a resolution.
- Mediation and Support: If appropriate, a neutral mediator may be involved to facilitate the conversation. The association will offer support to address the tenant’s concerns, such as financial assistance, legal advice, or other resources.
- Re-engagement Opportunities: The tenant association will offer the tenant the opportunity to rejoin the rent strike or protest, or to support it in other ways, such as through advocacy or participation in community events.


4B. Reintegration and Forgiveness
- Forgiveness Policy: The tenant association will implement a forgiveness policy that allows tenants who crossed the line to reintegrate into the community without ongoing stigma or exclusion, provided they demonstrate a commitment to the collective cause.
- Collective Agreement: If the tenant agrees to rejoin or support the strike or protest, a collective agreement will be drafted to outline the responsibilities and support provided by the association.
5B. Prevention of Future Issues
- Enhanced Communication: The tenant association will improve communication channels to ensure all tenants are informed about the goals, strategies, and importance of the rent strike or protest.
- Support Systems: The association will establish support systems for tenants who may be at risk of crossing the line in the future, ensuring that their concerns are addressed proactively.


Adoption and Implementation : This resolution will take effect immediately upon adoption by the tenant association’s board. The tenant association will oversee the implementation of this resolution and ensure that all tenants are aware of the potential consequences and resolution process. When a tenant crosses a rent strike line, they may face several social, legal, and community-related consequences. Each of these consequences varies in severity depending on the specific context of the rent strike, the strength of the tenant community, and the legal framework in place.