Strike Q and As

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, 2008).
2. 15 days must follow the Fact Finder's public report.
3. The offer of the Council 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 and the colleges.

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, 2008.

If we vote for a strike does that mean we will go on strike?

A strike vote does not necessarily mean we will go out 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 mandate is a powerful tool for the bargaining team to take to the table. If the employer doesn’t provide a reasonable offer, the vote gives the Team the authorization to call a strike at any time following five days written notice to the Council and the colleges.

Who will participate in the strike?

ALL full-time support staff workers, including Appendix D workers.

It’s illegal for the College to pay anyone to do Support Staff work at the College during a strike

Are there any support staff jobs that the college can require you to perform during a strike as an essential service?

No.

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.

I pay for parking, if we go on strike, can I park on the college property?

No.

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.

What happens if I'm taking a continuing education course?

You should not attend classes while you are on strike.

Will I receive any money while we're on strike?

You will if:

1. You’ve signed your OPSEU union card and filled out your; Membership Personal Information Form (Form B);
2. You perform strike duties (i.e. picket duty) for 20 hours per week;
3. The strike lasts more than one day. (In a strike lasting more than one day, you will receive strike pay after your first week of picket duty from the first day you go out.)

How much is strike pay?

	Weeks 1-3 (per day)	Weekly Maximum	Weeks 4+ (per day)	Weekly Maximum
Member	$25	$125	$40	$200
Dependent	$4	$20	$4	$20

 

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.

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.

What happens if I’m on developmental leave when we go on strike?

You are on strike and not on developmental leave. If you’re registered to attend a community college course/program, you should attempt to get a refund for your tuition fee if a strike is called.

Can I get short-term disability when I'm on strike?

No, you have no collective agreement and therefore no shortterm disability.

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.

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.

If I’m getting WSIB benefits, will they continue during a strike?

Yes, provided you continue to qualify medically and cooperate with WSIB approved programs.

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.

How can I prepare for a possible strike?

1. Hold off plans for any major purchases until you know we have a deal;
2. Pay off your credit cards in advance of the strike if you can;
3. Talk to your financial institutions to let them know you could be going on strike;
4. Save as much money as you can.

I have financial commitments that I must make such as: mortgage payments, loans, etc. What happens to them?

You will still be responsible for paying your bills, but you can often negotiate a hold on payment in the short-term in the event of a strike. You can get a copy of a sample letter from your local treasurer.

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.

How can I help my local prepare for a strike?

Your local union will need many people to help run a successful strike campaign. Volunteer for local communications, finances and strike duty committees. Making 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.