A provincial strike vote was held on February 7th, which resulted in an 80.4% strike mandate. The potential strike date is March 7th. In the Q & A below, we have tried to answer some of the questions that you may have. Please contact your steward or one of the Local 562 officers if you need more information.
Q1: Will I be able to vote on whether I want to strike?Q1: Will I be able to vote on whether I want to strike?
A: We have already had the strike vote on February 7th. It held under the oversight the College Relations Commission with all bargaining unit members at all Ontario colleges taking part. The February 7th vote gave our bargaining team a strong mandate (80.4%) to call a strike and the bargaining team has set Tuesday, March 7th, as the date to start a strike if required. There will not be another vote prior to the strike being called.
A: The strong strike vote on February 7th gives our bargaining team more bargaining leverage. The strong strike vote can pressure a good settlement. Even mobilizing for a strike vote sometimes motivates a settlement, as was the case in March 2004; however, a strike is possible.
Q3: Why was the potential strike date set for March 7th?
A: The bargaining team polled colleges across the system for semester start dates, study breaks and mid-term grade dates. There was considerable variation. On balance, they chose March 7th as the optimum potential strike date. This is 3 days before Humber’s mid-term grades are due on March 10th. Setting a specific date sends a strong message to Management that we are serious and increases the pressure for them to bargain seriously.
Q4: Will I be able to get more information from the bargaining team before the strike vote?
A: Yes. There will be bulletins from the bargaining team and from the local. Keep an eye on this site and www.opseu.org for information.
Q5: If a strike is called, will I have the option of not participating?
A: The Colleges Collective Bargaining Act, Section 59 (2), deems all members of the bargaining unit to be taking part once a legal strike begins. No full-time or partial load academic employee can be paid during a strike.
Q6: Does OPSEU provide strike pay?
A: Strike pay, tax-free, is available for academic bargaining unit employees, partial load as well as full-time, provided you are a signed-up OPSEU member and you participate in duties assigned by the local strike committee. Call the Union Office – ext. 4007 - to make sure that you are a signed-up member, particularly if you are partial load.
| Strike Pay | ||||
| Weeks 1 to 3 (Daily) |
Weeks 1 to 3 (Weekly) |
Weeks 4 + (Daily) |
Weeks 4 + (Weekly) |
|
| Member | $25 | $125 | $40 | $200 |
| Each Dependent | $4 | $20 | $4 | $20 |
Q7: What about the Local Strike Fund?
A: In November 2004, the Humber Union Local established a Local Contingency Fund. A temporary dues increase to put money into the Fund started January 2005. The Fund is to be used to supplement strike pay in the event of a strike. It has been decided that the Fund will be used to match the OPSEU Strike Pay. This means that a member will receive $250 per week plus the amount for dependents. As the strike develops, these payments could be modified.
Q8: Will the College continue to operate?
A: Based on our experience from the strikes of 1984 and 1989, the College will attempt to continue CE operations but will not likely try to operate daytime programs.
Q9: May I offer to teach or tutor students on my own or provide my courses through WebCT?
A: Such activity would be regarded as strikebreaking that could prolong the strike and cause more hardship for everyone.
A: OPSEU will cover some of the benefits. In 2004, OPSEU had arranged to cover all Sun Life benefits. We don't know yet if that will be the case this year, but will let you know as soon as possible.
Q11: Should I begin planning my finances now in case a strike begins in March?
A: Definitely. Here is some advice, based on past strike experience:
Q12: What can I do prior to the Strike?
A: Inform yourself fully and discuss the issues with your colleagues. Show your support by displaying a ”Quality Education / Humber Faculty” sticker or button. Lobby your MPP with emails, phone calls and letters. (Stickers, buttons and lobbying fact sheets are available in the Union Office – H109, ext. 4007)
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