But earlier you said the timing wasn't good for ruffling feathers. Just curious... what changed?

The original plan was for picketing or some similar purpose. The event has been repurposed as a more friendly get together. It is my understanding that the union elected to not ruffle company feathers in the middle of these discussions.

My understanding is that this is an official picketing event.

Agreed - Cujo had said that previously picketing events had been postponed to not ruffle the wrong people. Their (management) proposal apparently ruffled the union's enough that it is time to go back on the offensive.

What is the goal of picketing? I don't foresee any passengers cancelling their trips because were unhappy. The company isn't going to crumble because we're angry. I understand the unity of the idea, and trying to put our grievances in a public light, I just question the effectiveness if the gesture.

Would you prefer sitting back and doing nothing?

What is the message going to be while picketing?

I have faith in my NYC reps. When they tell us, we'll know.

You have 2 weapons as organized labor:
Public opinion as propagated through picketing and publishing and the ultimate self help tool - withholding services - a strike.
An illegal job action is a 3rd but judges can recoup those losses in favor of the company.
Welcome to organized labor.

I wasn't really saying I'm "against" picketing I just don't see what it could accomplish. Like Spoiler said there are only a few options, and the government is not going to let anyone strike.