Strike Questions and Answers
1. When would we go on strike?
Before we go on strike, all the following events must take place.
These steps may not necessarily be in order:
1. Our collective agreement must expire
(August 31, 2005).
2. 15 days must follow the Fact Finder's
public report.
3. The offer of the Council of Regents must
be rejected by vote.
4. On a separate ballot, the employees need
to vote in favour of a strike.
5. The union must give five days written
notice to the Council of Regents and the colleges.
2. Why can't we strike in August?
Many people believe the optimum time for a strike is August; however, we cannot legally strike until our contract expires on August 31st, 2005.
3. If we vote for a strike does that mean we will go on strike?
A strong strike vote provides power for your bargaining team to achieve the demands that you, the membership have put forward. A strike vote does not necessarily mean that we will go out on strike. A strike mandate is a powerful tool for the bargaining team to take to the table. If they cannot bring
back a reasonable deal, it gives them authorization to call a strike at any time following five days written notice to the Council of Regents and the colleges.
4. Who will participate in the strike?
ALL full-time support staff workers, including Appendix D workers. It is illegal to allow ANY Support Staff to work at the College during a strike
5. Are there any support staff jobs that the college can require you to perform during a strike as an essential service?
No.
6. Can I picket at another college?
If you wish to picket at another college, put your request in to your local Strike Duties Committee for consideration.
7. I pay for parking, if we go on strike, can I park on the college property?
No.
8. If I have been hired to teach a continuing education course, am I expected to be at work?
No, you are on strike and cannot provide any service to the College.
9. What happens if I'm taking a continuing education course?
You should not attend classes while you are on strike.
10. Will I receive any money while we're on strike?
You will if:
1) You signed an OPSEU union card.
2) You perform strike duties (i.e. picket
duty) for 20 hours per week.
3) The strike lasts more than three days.
(In a strike lasting more than three days, you get paid from the first day you are out).
|
Weeks 1-3 (per day) |
Weekly Maximum |
Weeks 4+ (per day) |
Weekly Maximum |
Member |
$25 |
$125 |
$40 |
$200 |
Dependents |
$4 |
$20 |
$4 |
$20 |
11. What happens to my benefit coverage during a strike?
1. OPSEU will attempt to negotiate with the employer to keep paying the premium.
2. If management will not keep paying the premium, but will continue coverage, OPSEU will pay the premium.
3. If management refuses to continue coverage, OPSEU will provide a limited benefit package through OPSEU Joint Trustee Benefit Plan.
4. When requested, OPSEU will also provide benefit coverage for Appendix D employees who normally receive a percentage in lieu of benefits.
12. If I am on vacation when a strike is called, what happens to my vacation?
When a strike is called you have no collective agreement and you are on strike, not on vacation. No vacation pay will be paid to you once the strike has started.
13. What happens if I’m an acting faculty member or in an acting management position and a strike is called
You will be on strike.
The Colleges Collective Bargaining Act states that “where the employee organization gives notice of a lawful strike, all employees in the bargaining unit concerned shall be deemed to be taking part in the strike from the date on which the strike is to commence.”
14. What happens if I’m on developmental leave when we go on strike?
You are on strike and not on developmental leave. If you are registered to attend a community college course/program, you should attempt to get a refund for your tuition fee if a strike is called.
15. Can I get short term disability when I'm on strike?
No, you have no collective agreement and therefore no short term disability.
16. What happens if I'm on short term disability when a strike starts?
The employer will stop short-term sick leave benefits, but you can apply for Employment Insurance (E.I) sickness benefits.
17. What happens if I'm on long term disability when a strike starts?
Your benefits would still continue because LTD is not paid directly by the employer.
18. If I’m getting WSIB benefits, will they continue
during a strike?
Yes, provided you continue to qualify medically and co-operate with WSIB approved programs.
19. If I am on maternity/parental leave, do I receive any benefits
Yes, you will still receive your E.I. entitlements, but you will not receive your sub benefits (the top up to 93%) from the employer. You will also receive strike pay if you perform strike duties.
20. How can I prepare for a possible strike
1. Do not make any major purchases.
2. Pay off your credit cards if you can.
3. Talk to your financial institutions
4. Prepare a resume for the possibility of
getting a part-time job (with another employer) to supplement any strike pay you will be receiving.
5. Save as much money as you can.
21. I have financial commitments that I must make such as: mortgage payments, loans, etc. What happens to them?
You would still be responsible for paying your bills. We have provided a sample letter below that you can use to advise your creditors of your situation.
Tips for budgeting for a strike
1. Mortgages/rent - talk to the bank or
credit union and negotiate a plan for the duration before the next payment is due.
2. Taxes - ask if an accommodation can be
arranged to defer property taxes.
3. Utilities - request to spread your
payments.
4. Loans - if your lender won't allow a
deferral, consider refinancing to reduce the payments.
5. Credit cards - charging purchases while
on strike is not recommended, pay the minimum charge or use a line of credit with lower interest.
6. Insurance - investigate ways to spread
out the premiums.
22. How can I help the local prepare for a strike?
The local union will need many people to help run a successful strike campaign. Volunteer for local communications, finances and strike duty committees. Painting signs, scrounging items, and many other tasks are key to a well-organized strike.
Any other questions, that do not appear here, please e-mail the Bargaining Team at bargaining@rogers.com and someone will respond back to you.
