Are we going on strike?

The decision to strike, or not, must be considered in light of the specific issues about where impasse has been reached at the bargaining table. The only way for a strike action to occur is for the legislated bargaining process to have been followed to its conclusion, a strike vote to take place and for a majority of voting Members to cast their ballots in favor of a strike.

Process:

1. Impasse reached in bargaining
2. Statutory Mediation failed to bring about agreement
3. 14 day cooling off period
4. Negotiating Committee recommends a strike vote take place.
5. The Executive Board considers and organizes a strike vote.
6. The Membership participates in a strike vote.
7. Bargaining continues and the strike vote is valid for 120 days

If the Membership votes to support strike action, this provides the Executive Board with the legal mandate to call a strike if and when they deem this to be a necessary and strategic next step in the collective bargaining process, subject to the provision of 72 hours’ strike notice to the employer. Even after a successful strike vote is held, there is no guarantee that we would actually go on strike. A strike vote remains valid for 120 days following the date the vote was taken.

When a strike vote needs to be held, a successful result can help move negotiations forward to avoid a strike. Ultimately, a strike is the last resort in a series of coordinated job actions. Our preference is to reach an agreement without resorting to a strike. However, if the BoG leaves us no other option, a strike is the only way of defending the quality of education we deliver and defend the future of our institution.