Ten frequently asked questions about strikes/lockouts.
1. What is Unit 1’s history of striking?
In the nearly 40 years since TAs have been unionized, Unit 1 has negotiated 17 collective agreements with our Employer (U of T). We’ve gone on strike only three times: in 1989, 1991, and 2000. The language we have today on maternity leave, subsequent appointments, and the guaranteed funding package is there only because of the collective action of previous Unit-1 members. Strikes are not inevitable; they have, however, won us some of our most fundamental rights and benefits.
2. In the event of a strike, what are my obligations? Will I get paid?
If the members of the bargaining unit decide to go out on strike, we will all be asked to strengthen the strike effort through picket duty. Members who have, and who are abstaining from, bargaining-unit work (or doing only work permitted by the Local in the event of a partial or rotating strike) during a strike/lockout are eligible for strike pay of up to $300/week (tax-free) for twenty hours of service. Furthermore, the conditions of ending a strike have to be negotiated. We always attempt to make sure members can make up the work time they lost from the strike. Strength on the picket line can mean a faster resolution at the bargaining table!
3. Can I still perform my TA duties?
If we decide to go out on strike, all bargaining-unit members will cease to perform their Unit-1 work. In the past, the Employer has reacted to strikes by turning off payroll and locking us out as punishment for not accepting the offer they’ve put on the table.
4. What is a lockout?
A lockout is a tactic used by employers to try to force workers to accept a settlement by refusing to allow them to work (and get paid).
5. When can employees go on strike?
The Ontario Labour Relations Act, 1995 governs the question of when we are legally allowed to strike. Before this can occur, we must go through the process of conciliation. If the conciliation process breaks down, the conciliator must issue a “no board” report (which marks the end of conciliation and suggests that the parties are not likely to reach an agreement). Once the “no board” report is issued, a mandatory 17-day cooling-off period must take place before a strike (or a lockout) is lawful.
6. How would a strike affect my labs and experiments?
Members are not expected to put their academic lives on hold because of a strike over your working conditions. A strike means withholding our labour from our jobs as course instructors, TAs, invigilators, or lab demonstrators. Of course, labs and experiments need to be looked after, just as grad students in other disciplines will continue their research and writing in libraries, archives, etc. While all members may freely continue their own research, we hope they will also take part in picket duties during a strike.
7. What if I voted NO on the strike vote?
First of all, your vote during the strike vote was confidential. Nobody knows who voted yes and who voted no. Moreover, if we go out on strike (and/or are locked out), the entire bargaining unit will be affected – whether you voted yes or no in the strike vote. Nobody will be able to perform Unit-1 work. We recommend that those who voted no and simply want to get back to work join us on the picket line! More strength on the line can lead to a shorter strike.
8. In the event of a strike, how can we make it as short as possible?
The more people out on the line, the greater our power! The more power we have, the more likely we’ll be able to get a good contract at the table and end the strike.
9. Is a strike inevitable?
At this point, it is far from certain that we actually will go out on strike. We have several dates for bargaining with the Employer (with the help of a conciliator) set up for January. The bargaining team will continue to do their best to get an acceptable contract with the Employer throughout this period. Moreover, before a strike could be called, members of Unit 1 would need to vote to set a strike deadline—a date by which we would go out on strike if the Employer and our Bargaining Team have not yet reached an agreement.
10. How can I help/get involved?
You can always get involved! Attend the Unit-1 Membership Meetings (the next one will take place on 30 January, 5:00 to 8:00pm, at Innis Town Hall) and actively participate in departmental consultation sessions that will take place throughout January. You can talk to your steward for updates or always contact the various strike-committee coordinators and volunteer on their committee. The opportunities to get involved are endless!