Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

1. When will we go on strike? The union can legally serve the 72 hour strike notice midnight November 4. So the earliest possible strike date is November 7. You will be advised by your strike picket captain.

2. Can the parties still negotiate between now and then? The parties can negotiate any time between now and then. The parties can also negotiate once the notice has been given and a strike begins. The union’s bargaining team has been clear that they are available any time to negotiate a fair deal. .

3. What about my benefits? PSAC will pay your benefit premiums during a strike or lockout to ensure there is no interruption in coverage.

4. How much is strike pay? Strike pay is governed by Regulation 6 and is $50.00 per day after 3 days on strike in a rotating or general strike situation. It is retroactive to the first day. Strike pay is non-taxable. If strategic strike action is taken then 65% of your salary will be paid.

5. What kind of strike action will we take? That’s a strategic issue that will be decided by the National Strike Co-ordinating Committee. The decision will be based on what will be most effective in achieving a collective agreement. The committee will consider the potential impact on the employer and the membership.

6. What do I have to do to be eligible for strike pay? You have to put in a minimum of 4 hours per day on the picket line. If you can’t picket, get in touch with your local executive. Office duty counts for eligibility for strike pay.

7. What if I need emergency funds? There is a Regional Hardship Fund which is administered by a regional committee who will make recommendations to the Regional Executive Vice-President on an individual basis.

8. Can the employer lock us out? Yes, under the Canada Labour Code, the employer has the right to lock employees out. They would have to give 72 hours notice and the earliest they could give that notice is November 5.

9. What if I am on leave when strike action begins? Generally, employees in the striking bargaining unit who are on leave when the strike begins may be allowed to continue on leave but additional leave should not normally be granted.

10. Can my already approved leave be cancelled once strike action is called? The employer’s own policy states “generally, employees in the striking bargaining unit who are on leave when the strike begins may be allowed to continue on leave. Employees who are participating in a strike and who have been scheduled to go on leave during the strike will not be permitted to do so.” Keep in mind that the Employer is also free to cancel your approved leave since, during a strike, no collective agreement is in force.

11. If a member is on approved annual leave when a strike for their unit is called, are they obligated to pay the 25% to the hardship fund? No, but he/she can volunteer to do it anyway. Any contributions to the hardship fund are accepted and appreciated.

12. I’m a new employee. Can the employer force me to work during a strike? No, you can’t be forced to cross picket lines. The union expects you to honour the picket lines. You should also sign up for strike duty.

13. I’m a term employee. Can I strike? Do I go into work or do I honour the picket line?   Yes, term employees are expected to honour the picket lines.  You should also sign up for strike duty.

14. What happens to members who cross picket lines? Any member who crosses a picket line will be subject to the union’s internal disciplinary process. Penalties, suspension or expulsion from membership in the union are just a few options available to the union.

15. How do we communicate during a strike? Regional Strike Committees, Picket Captains, Telephone trees and email lists using personal email addresses.