Winfred-Louder employees decide to go on strike a few weeks before Christmas. Drew sympathizes with their plight, but must hire temporary replacements to keep the store going. He and Kate promise that they will not let the strike affect their friendship. However, this proves difficult when she learns that Mimi and Oswald are handling the cosmetics counter. Drew and an uneasy Nora must work in the lingerie department. The strike goes on for three weeks. After Kate is forced to take a job busing tables at the Warsaw, Drew decides that he can no longer tolerate the store's actions. He declares that he will walk the picket line. Seconds later, Larry announces that the strike is over. Oswald takes a job with a parcel delivery service. Drew and Lisa begin secretly dating each other.