Bargaining for Support Staff | 2024

Strike: A strike is when unionized workers withhold their labour in an effort to pressure their employer into meeting their demands. Workers go on strike after negotiations have broken down or stalled. The goal is to compel the employer to return to the bargaining table and address workers’ demands.

For USW 2010, a strike will involve all members of the bargaining unit stopping to do work for the employer. This includes responding to emails, attending meetings, completing tasks, and providing any form of support or service that contributes to the functioning of Queen’s University. This unified action highlights the value of work done by USW 2010 members and strengthens our position in securing fair wages, benefits, and working conditions at the bargaining table.

Queen’s works because we do. 

Scab: The term “scab” refers to people who continue to work during a strike. The act of working during the strike is also known as “strike breaking” or crossing the picket line. This undermines the strike by reducing the impact of workers’ collective action and weakening their bargaining power. 

USW Local 2010 has a strong, united membership committed to securing meaningful gains for all workers at Queen’s. We do not expect any members to cross the picket line if we are on strike.

Lock-Out: A lock-out occurs when the employer exercises its right to prevent bargaining unit employees from working when in a legal strike position (i.e. when their collective agreement has expired and bargaining has stalled).

A lock-out is basically an Employer imposed strike designed to pressure employees into agreeing to certain terms during bargaining.. The employees and the union have no say in starting or ending a lockout. In November 2024, Queen’s University threatened to lock-out the postdoctoral fellows, represented by PSAC 901. Because of this recent threat, we believe a lock-out to be a possible scenario for USW Local 2010 during bargaining after our Collective Agreement expires on December 31, 2024.

Strikes are not inherently bad. Myths about strikes being harmful often come from a focus on short-term economic disruption and media portrayals that emphasize inconvenience or unrest. Historical anti-labor sentiment, especially in North America, has also fueled the perception that strikes are unnecessary or disruptive to society. In reality, strikes have been key in achieving fair wages, safer working conditions, and labor rights, with long-term benefits that often outweigh the temporary disruptions they cause.

Myth: A strike has little impact on the employer.

Fact: The very threat of a strike will often force employers to bargain seriously. They can’t get any work done when the majority of their workforce withholds its labour.

Myth: Strikes are violent and not in the public’s interest.

Fact: The majority of picket lines are non-violent. This misrepresentation results from the media’s focus on the rare scuffles that occur on picket lines.

Myth: Workers who strike are acting unlawfully.

Fact: Unionized workers have a right to strike when their contract negotiations fail and the members have passed a strike vote.

Myth: There is nothing to gain by striking. Striking workers never recover the earnings lost on the picket line.

Fact: Aside from the dignity and respect the workers gain from their employer by voting to strike, the improvements made to the collective agreement often result in not only material but also non-material gains. In many cases, the monetary gains made over the life of the collective agreement surpass any losses incurred during a strike.

Adapted from the PSAC Strike Manual.

The best way to prevent a strike is thorough preparation. In case a strike becomes necessary, reviewing the information below and taking the outlined steps will help you prepare effectively. As we approach November and December 2024, now is the time to familiarize yourself with key details, from financial planning to contact information. Staying informed and proactive is the foundation for both a strong strike readiness and the ability to advocate for a fair and balanced resolution.

Q1. Renew Medications: The Employer may allow our benefit plan to continue through a lockout or strike situation – the choice is entirely theirs. The Bargaining Committee is working on determining more details regarding this, and we will notify members as soon as possible.

Regardless, it’s a good idea to think about purchasing prescription refills, eyewear, scheduling dentist visits, etc. and submit them now to your benefits provider, well in advance of a strike or lockout situation.

Q2. Debt Payments: Letting creditors know about the strike can do a lot to improve your financial situation and alleviate unnecessary financial hardships. Creditors are generally much more willing to work with you if you contact them early, while all of your accounts are still in good standing. You should consider contacting:

• Banks or building loan associations holding mortgages on your home
• Your landlord, if you rent your home
• All Utility Companies (phone, gas, electric, water)
• Other creditors including credit card companies

Q3. Queen’s Email Address: If we end up in a strike, we may lose access to our Queen’s email addresses. If school notices, emails about doctor’s appointments, or other personal emails come to your work email, have them sent to your personal email instead. Get in touch with various senders of these emails and have them update their contact list.

Q4. Cell Phone: Do you have the use of an employer’s cell phone (or another device)? Consider what will happen if you are required to return it, or it is shut off during a work stoppage. Who has that phone number? What personal information, including contacts, is on that device?

If you have a personal cell phone through Queen’s Mobile (QMobile) you will still be able to use that phone since the contract is between you and Queen’s Mobile. If your cell phone is paid by the employer, you may lose access to that device during a work stoppage.