This article examines how the public perceived both teachers and nurses during their first strikes in Victoria. How did the community react when two previously trusted groups of essential service workers "closed shop" and walked out. Reactions towards the teachers' and nurses' actions by the press, politicians and those members of the public who expressed themselves via the media are examined. While many of the arguments used in the public debate were similar, the most significant difference in the public's reaction was related to the gender of the leaders of the respective industrial organizations.