STRIKE VOTE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: When is the strike vote?
A: The strike vote is scheduled for February 17. The procedure will be essentially the same as it was for the rejection vote of May 8, 2003. We will post notices as to the time and place of the vote.
Q: Why is the bargaining team calling for a strike vote?
A: A strike vote is the next step in bargaining and part of the process set out in the Colleges Collective Bargaining Act (CCBA). It greatly enhances the likelihood of a positive settlement.
Q: Why does the strike ballot ask me to vote that “I am in favour of a strike?”
A: It would be more accurate to ask if you are in favour of giving the negotiating team the permission to call a strike if necessary. The precise wording is dictated by the CCBA.
Q: Will I be able to get more information from the negotiating team before the strike vote?
A: Yes. The team and your Local will continue to provide written information as it becomes available. Also, general membership meetings are being held to enable you to get more information. A representative from the team will attend.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the strike vote?
A: All bargaining unit members get to vote. The bargaining unit includes full-time professors, instructors, counsellors and librarians, and partial-load professors and instructors.
Q: What determines the result of the vote.
A: The overall majority across the Ontario colleges determines the result. If the majority votes in favour and if a strike is called, every college will be on strike.
Q: Is a strike inevitable?
A: Not at all. Following the vote, our negotiating team will continue to seek a resolution. The added pressure of the strike mandate will make it more likely that negotiations will conclude successfully but a strike remains possible.
Q: If a strike is called, when will it begin?
A: March 3, 2004.
Q: If a strike is called, is everyone on strike?
A: Yes. Every member of the bargaining unit is on strike. The CCBA provides for fines of up to $1,000 a day for individuals who violate the Act.
Q: May I offer to teach or tutor students on my own or provide my courses through internet service?
A: No. Such activity is strikebreaking that could prolong the strike and cause more hardship for everyone. Furthermore, if the college is aware of, and permits this activity, they would be subject to penalties of up to $25,000 a day under the CCBA.
Q: How will my students catch up the material lost during the strike?
A: This is up to management. But, in the earlier strikes the semester was extended and monetary compensation was ordered for affected faculty.
Q: Does OPSEU provide strike pay?
A: Yes. Strike pay is distributed weekly to OPSEU members who carry out duties assigned by the local strike committee. For the first 3 weeks of a strike, strike pay is $125 basic per week plus $20 per dependent. After 3 weeks (should a strike go that long) the basic rises to $200.
Some locals augment strike pay from their local treasury.
Q: If I pay union dues, am I automatically a union member?
A: No. Although all employees in the bargaining unit have union dues deducted from their pay, no one is a union member until they sign an OPSEU card.
Q: How can I be sure of my membership status?
A: Ask your Local Union Secretary or any member of your Union Local Executive.
Q: May I join now?
A: Yes, any person in the bargaining unit has the right to become a member at any time.
Q: What will happen if some of my scheduled vacation falls within the strike period?
A: Your pay will stop for the duration of the strike, however your vacation entitlement will remain and be available after the strike.
Q: What if I am on sabbatical or secondment this semester?
A: You will be on strike too and your pay will cease.
Q: What will happen if I’m on sick leave at the start of a strike?
A: Your pay will stop for the duration of the strike. You would be eligible for strike pay provided you perform strike duties suited to your capabilities or document your inability to perform any duties.
Q: If I am receiving Long-term disability benefits what effect will the strike have on me?
A: You will continue to receive your benefit.
Q: I will be on “prepaid leave” this semester. How will the strike affect me?
A: Because your “pay” is actually the return of money you have set aside, the strike will have no effect on your income. Your benefits, however, will be affected in the same way as any other member of the bargaining unit.
Q: What about benefits?
A: OPSEU will arrange coverage for medical, long-term disability and basic life insurance. You should advance or delay dental appointments and avoid purchasing eyeglasses or hearing aids during the strike.
Q: How will a strike affect my pension?
A: Although neither you nor the employer pay into the pension plan during the strike, your plan membership continues and you do not lose any entitlement you have earned. You will be allowed to buy back credits for the period of the strike. The buy-back is optional.
At least two faculty locals use local funds to assist members who would suffer pension losses during a strike.
Q: What do we say to students who are concerned about how a strike will affect them?
A: Tell them that your working conditions are their learning conditions. Encourage them to direct their concerns to managers.
Q: What should I do if I have other questions?
A: Ask any member of your Local Executive Committee.
CAAT(A) Bargaining Index Page
