STRIKE FACT SHEET
June29, 2022
Are we going to strike?
Your Bargaining Council was hopeful that mediation would lead to a fair agreement, but progress has nearly ground to a halt. There are still mediation dates booked at the end of July and August, but a strike is increasingly possible. CUPE health care support workers across Manitoba voted 97% in favour of a strike mandate last summer. CUPE will keep members up to date if there is any change. No strike has been called at this time.
How much is strike pay?
Strike pay starts on the first day of a strike. For the first eight (8) weeks of a strike, you get $300/week for a minimum of 20 hours of picket duties. During the 8th to 12th week, you get $350/week. From the 12th to the 16th week, you get $375/week. From the 16thweek of the strike, you get $400/week.
What do I have to do to get strike pay?
You must perform picket duties. Which means you must walk a picket line for 4 hours/day for 5 days a week.
If you are not physically able to walk a picket line, there are other duties that can be done. You would need to contact the Strike Coordinator of your local if you require an accommodation. The accommodation must be verified that it is for medical reasons. The Strike Coordinator for each local will be shared when we serve notice to go on strike.
Where will the picket lines be?
In a strike, there will be a limited number of picket locations with a focus on larger sites with a lot of public visibility. The Union will provide picket location information to all members if there is a strike. Most members will not be picketing at their own job site.
What about my benefits?
CUPE pays for the premiums of your group life and extended health benefits for the duration of the strike. If you work essential services shifts you will be paid by the Employer just like normal. Therefore, your benefit premiums would be deducted, and coverage will continue. The pension plan deductions will NOT be paid by CUPE.
What if I am on a leave of absence for medical or other reasons?
If the third-party insurer [HEB Manitoba, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), Workers Compensation (WCB),
City of Winnipeg, etc.] cuts you off because of the strike, CUPE will provide you with strike pay in lieu. Please contact your Strike Coordinator once a strike is declared if you are on LTD, WCB, MPI, etc.
What if I have to work an essential services shift?
Essential services shifts will be shared amongst members qualified to work in that area. If you do work a shift, you will get paid normally from the Employer. You may also get deemed as a standby in the event of a sick call or emergency on your unit or department. If you are deemed standby, you must bring your work attire with you to the picket line in case you get called into work.
What if I have vacation booked during a strike?
Vacations are usually cancelled by the Employer if we go on strike.
What happens with parking at picket locations?
The Union does not cover parking costs. We will attempt to share free/low-cost parking near picket locations. We also encourage members to ride share when possible.
What about my financial obligations like mortgage, rent, credit cards, car payment, loans, child support, etc.?
In past bargaining bulletins, CUPE has recommended members not take on new financial obligations during bargaining because of the possibility of a strike and reduced incomes. CUPE has a form letter that you will be able to send to financial institutions and creditors, notifying them of a strike and requesting adjusted payment conditions be arranged with you. Most financial institutions will help you put together a plan to deal with your situation in the event of a strike which may include allowing you to reduce payments, paying interest only charges, etc. Should we serve notice to strike, we highly recommend contacting your financial institution/credit cards, etc, right away to discuss a plan.
Am I eligible for Employment Insurance while on strike?
No.
Am I allowed to bring my children/pet(s) with me to the picket line?
Family members and service animals are permitted on the picket line.
Is it still possible to go to binding arbitration if we go on strike?
Yes, after 60 days of being on legal strike either the Union or the Employers can apply to go to binding arbitration.
Do members still get to vote on the contract if we go to binding arbitration?
No. The arbitrator’s decision is binding on both the employer and the union. There will be no opportunity for members to vote on an arbitrator’s decision.
Do members vote again to go on strike?
No. The strike vote already happened and gave a mandate to the Bargaining Council of 97% provincially. There is not a second vote to strike.
What are the consequences of not participating in strike activity (picketing duty)?
We are only as strong as our solidarity as union members. Our strength is in numbers. The picket line is how we show our solidarity and our commitment to being treated with respect. Members must do picket duty to receive strike pay.