MEMBERS OF CUPE LOCAL 1866 (WORKSAFENB)

FAQ FILE

1. What is a strike?
A strike is any form of job action following a strike mandate. It includes but is not limited to, full scale walkouts, rotating walkouts, information pickets, study sessions, work to rule campaigns, etc.
2. Can we go on strike?
When the membership votes in favour of job action we will be able to commence such job action up to and including a full scale. We are required by law to provide the Employer with 48 hours notice prior to commencing job action.
3. What do I receive for pay if we go on strike?
The daily benefit shall be $30.00 to a maxium of  $150.00 per week for the first 9 days
In the case of a general strike no daily benefits shall be payable   (for more information go to http://nb.cupe.ca constitution_2009.pdf
4. Can the Employer lock us out?
If the Employer provides the Union with 48 hours notice, they can legally lock out the employees provided there are no issues being determined by the NB Public Service Labaour Relations Board.

5. What happens if the Employer locks us out?
Strike pay is the same in a lock-out as it is in a strike.

6. How am I eligible to receive strike pay?
You are eligible to receive strike pay provided that you have participated with the strike on all eligible days in that period.
You must also participate in picket line duty or some other strike related activity on a daily basis. If you are sick or are otherwise unable to picket, you need to report this to your picket captain

7. What if I don't believe in strikes?
For almost everyone, the decision to take strike action is a painful one and can be justified only after everything else has failed. Most people will support strike action if they believe that the cause is worthwhile and no other actions have worked. People who cannot bring themselves to picket can support the strike simply by staying away from work. However, you will not receive strike pay for this.

8. Is strike pay the same for everyone?
Yes, all members receive the same rate of strike pay.

9. What if I am on WCB, EI, STD or LTD?
If a member is on a leave when the strike commences (e.g. sick leave, vacation leave, Workers' Compensation leave, LTD leave or other approved leave), the leave continues for its duration. Although the Collective Agreement is no longer in effect, the Employer cannot unilaterally make changes and must negotiate any changes with the Union

10. What happens to my holidays?
During the strike, all vacation is cancelled. When the strike is over, your remaining vacation will be credited to you and will be rescheduled

11. Do I have to picket?
Legally, you are not required to picket. However, the strength of a picket line often determines the outcome of job action, so more people on the line can lead to shorter strikes. As well, you only collect strike pay if you perform picket or other strike related duties.

12. If I am approached by the media what should I do?
Please refer them to the Bargaining Committee media spokespersons, the media will understand. Be careful what you say as it may be taken out of context and printed.

13. If a strike is called will the Government legislate us back to work?
The Employer has alluded to the fact that if the present Government changes, it is the Employers view that we would be legislated back to work.

14. How long could a strike last?
For as long as it takes to obtain a fair and equitable collective agreement.

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