Bargaining FAQ
answering your burning questions about strike votes and next steps
What is a strike vote?
- What is a strike vote?
- It is a demonstration of faculty solidarity in support of the demands we collectively set
and the way we can put pressure on the employer to bargain for a fair contract.
- It is a demonstration of faculty solidarity in support of the demands we collectively set
- Why is there a strike vote?
- The CEC walked away from the table, refused binding arbitration and called for a “no
board” report. - The CEC has left us no other options than to call a strike vote.
- It is our last line of defense before a contract is imposed by the CEC/ employer.
- The CEC walked away from the table, refused binding arbitration and called for a “no
- What happens if we vote “No”?
- The CEC can impose a new contract that will likely be worse than the previous offer,
including drastic changes to our work environment, pay, schedules, SWF, benefits and
anything else they would like to change. - The CEC changes can change any aspect of the Collective Agreement, including the
reversal of historical wins.
- The CEC can impose a new contract that will likely be worse than the previous offer,
- What happens if we vote “Yes”?
- We have leverage to get the CEC back to the table and/or binding arbitration.
- It provides us with a way of responding if the CEC imposes terms and conditions.
- Union job action options could include:
- Work to rule
- Refusals to perform overtime
- Strikes targeting specific work tasks
- Rolling strikes targeting different workplaces
- Strike
When will a strike vote happen?
- When will a strike vote happen?
- Best estimate at this time is the first or second week of December at the earliest, though
likely later (in any case, the current semester will not be affected).
- Best estimate at this time is the first or second week of December at the earliest, though
- If we vote “Yes,” will we automatically be on strike?
- Absolutely not. Nobody wants to go on strike.
- A strike is one possible outcome of a strike vote.
- A strong strike mandate is the best way to reduce the possibility of a strike.
- If a strike happens, when will that be?
- Note from JP: "There will not be a strike over the holiday break. Period."