STRIKES
A labor strike is when unionized employees stop working for an employer for an unspecified amount of time. Strikes are often accompanied by picket lines and disruption. Strikers are not paid when striking and, depending on the terms of the employer’s health plan, their health benefits may immediately stop. During a strike, an employer can hire permanent replacements. This does not mean you are fired when the strike ends, but if a permanent replacement is in your job, you must wait on a preferential hire list until your job, or a substantially similar job comes open. This could take days, months or even years.
Strikes are costly to communities, our customers, and especially for employees who lose pay. During a strike, you may not be able to come to the facility and may be expected by the union to walk a picket line. While federal law protects your right to say “no” to striking, the union may punish you anyways with fines for not going on strike.
Some commonly asked questions on strikes:
If the union calls a strike during bargaining, would Centria Autism have to agree to its proposals?
No, Centria Autism has the right to accept or reject union proposals and also has the right to continue operations during a strike.
When might the union call a strike?
Unions can generally call labor strikes if they are not getting their demands met in the course of negotiating a first contract with an employer. A strike is the strongest leverage a union can use to push an employer to agree to its proposals at the bargaining table. A union can ask associates to strike as soon as it is certified as the bargaining representative of the group.
How long do strikes last?
A strike has no set duration. Some strikes last one day, and some strikes last for over a year. There is no way of predicting how long a strike may last. Every situation is different.
If the union calls a strike, will I still receive my pay and benefits?
Depending on the terms of the employer health plan, employees may have to pay for 100% of the cost of their health insurance for the duration of the strike. Strikers are not paid when striking and, depending on the terms of the employer’s health plan, their health benefits may immediately stop. You would be entitled to COBRA benefits, but you have to pay the entire insurance premium without Centria Autism contributions. Insurance coverage through COBRA is expensive. In Michigan, striking workers are currently ineligible for employment benefits.
If the union calls a strike, can I continue to work?
Yes, you have the right to cross the picket line and continue to work. However, the union may fine or penalize you for crossing the picket line.