How long before we receive any strike pay?
If the strike lasts longer than 9 days, members who perform strike duty will be entitled to a maximum of $200.00 for at least 20 hours of picketing per calendar week. Members will receive strike pay a week following the completion of active strike duty.
Will my benefit coverage continue during a strike?
During a strike, the CUPE strike fund would cover the premiums for group life and extended health benefits. Members would continue to have coverage for group life, extended health and emergency dental. Employees off work on account of a strike have the option to buy-back both the employer and employee OMERS contributions. The Employee must fill out a broken service form offering them the option of buying back OMERS contributions. In the event of a strike, the strike committee will provide you with more information on what you can expect in terms of benefit coverage.
Must I picket close to my work Location?
No, you may picket close to your home location if you prefer subject to the ongoing evaluation of the strength of our picket lines.
Can I Park on Library Parking Lots During a Strike/Lockout?
No. Library parking lots are employer property and management could have your car tagged or towed.
Are we allowed to Take Pictures on the Line?
Pictures make great archive pieces. We also encourage you to record funny stories of events on the picket line which can be used for our planned newsletter.
Can I Bring my Children to the Picket Line?
It is not recommended. Because of the potentially confrontational nature of picket lines, it is best not to involve children.
What Happens if I am on Vacation when a Strike/Lockout Occurs?
If you are on vacation that was scheduled prior to commencement of a strike, the employer is required to pay you under the Employment Standards Act. You are encouraged to contribute to picket duty – the more members on the line, the shorter the strike.
If I am scheduled for vacation do my days off count towards strike duty?
No, only active assigned strike duties count as time towards strike duty.
Are members that are on unpaid maternity or parental leave, eligible for strike pay?
Yes, members on unpaid maternity or parental leave that participate in assigned strike duties are eligible for strike pay.
Who is not eligible for strike pay?
A member will not be entitled to strike pay if at the beginning of the strike the member was receiving sickness, accident and/or Workers Compensation benefits.
What happens if you are on Modified Work when a strike/lockout occurs?
(i.e.: you are working 4 hours per day and receiving WSIB for 3 hours per day “loss of earnings benefits”)
If you are on the picket line or otherwise participating in a strike/lockout, WSIB considers it to be an employment matter and any loss of earnings benefits you are receiving will end until after the strike/lockout is over.
What is a court injunction against a picket line/work location?
Sometimes the employer will turn to the courts to try to limit the activities of a picket line. In this case, evidence would be presented to a court, which would rule whether or not to order an injunction. This could include the ordering of a picket line protocol.
What is Picket Line Protocol?
Sometimes protocol is established between the employer and the striking employees, in order to determine particulars, such as time frames that a vehicle/person has to wait at a picket line before entering a picket location. The local will make a decision whether or not to enter discussions and picket captains will advise picketers of picket line protocol.
If you have not received your Picket Sign-Up Form or require any further information, please contact Strike Headquarters at:
strike4948@rocketmail.com or call 416-440-7981 to leave message.
Look for forthcoming Bulletins from your Library Bargaining Committee.
In solidarity,
Paul Robinson, Eliseo Zompanti, Jinkie David
Strike Committee Co-chairs
