Strike Questions and Answers - 2006

Q:  Is a strike inevitable?

A:  Not at all.  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. In addition, we need to keep up the political pressure.

Q:  If a strike is called, when will it begin?

A:  March 7, 2006.

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:  How will I know if the strike has been cancelled?

A:  Check the OPSEU website (www.opseu.org), the local 558 website (www.opseu558.org)  and/or listen to local media reports.

Q:  May I offer to teach or tutor students on my own or provide my course 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.

Anything that is done either before or during the strike to facilitate the continuation of normal college activity will prolong the strike and will be considered strikebreaking by OPSEU.

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, pay is $125 basic per week plus $20 per dependent.  After 3 weeks (should a strike go that long) the basic rises to $200.  Strike pay is tax free.

Local 558 will top up the strike pay $175 per week. 

NOTE: The strike must last more than one day to receive strike pay.

Q:  How will I deal with my mortgage or loans?

A:  OPSEU has notified all major creditors about the strike.  A sample letter to send to your bank or credit union is available on the OPSEU website.

Q:  If I pay union dues, am I automatically a union member?

A:  No.  Although all employees in the bargaining until have union dues deducted from their pay, no one is a union member until they sign an OPSEU card.  You must sign an OPSEU card to be eligible for strike pay.

Q:  How can I be sure of my membership status?

A:  All non-OPSEU members will receive a card in the inter-office mail.

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 also 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 using OPSEU protocol for accommodation.

Q:  If I am receiving Long-term disability benefits what effect will the strike have on me?

A:  You will continue to receive benefits.

Q:  What will happen if I am on parental leave?

A:  You will continue to receive EI payments but the top-up will be discontinued.

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 member of the bargaining unit.

Q:  What about benefits?

A:  OPSEU will arrange coverage for medical, long-term disability and other benefits.

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.

Q:  What happens to part-time and sessional teachers during the strike?

A:  They are not part of the bargaining unit and should follow college directives.  We will allow them to cross the picket line and remind them not to do our work.

Q: What about support staff?

A: Local 559 members are invited to cross the picket line. We ask that they do not do any of our work.

Q:  May I perform strike duties at another college?

A:  Yes, subject to approval of both the local strike committee and the other local’s strike committee.  Instructions are on form B.

Q:  What about accommodation?

A:  The local will provide accommodation in response to requests from members. Fill in the appropriate sections on Form B to initiate the discussion.

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 and contact their MPPs.  They can also visit the website www.collegestrike.ca and contact their student association.

Q: Where will we sign up for strike duties?

A: If there is a strike there will be a general membership meeting on March 7 at 9:30 a.m. at the Armenian Centre on Progress.

Q:  What should I do if I have other questions?

A:  Ask any member of your Local Executive Committee.

Send mail to info@opseu558.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 04/04/06