juin 13, 2011 à 23:45
The following are some frequently asked questions and answers about strikes. They are not meant to cover every situation. All the measures and implications of a strike vote will be discussed in membership meetings before, during and in the days and weeks after the strike vote. If you have a question further to what is listed here, please e-mail: [email protected]
This is our first round of traditional bargaining in ten years. The company has experienced record profits and yet they continue to ask our members for further concessions while at the same time compensating executives lavishly. Some of the concessions include:
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New airport classifications including Concierge, and Special Services Agents handling wheelchairs, kiosks and lines.
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The corporation is demanding limiting the ability to transfer between call centres and airports
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The elimination of Jazz handling
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Changing part time hours, to include a mandatory 16 hour minimum and a 32 hour maximum
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Increase in part time utilization
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Elimination of the Retirement Phase-in Program
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Work schedule alterations, which includes reduced notification for changing days off
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Vacation adjustments, which includes no movement of pre-bid vacation at work schedule bid time
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The corporation has a whole host of pension demands which includes; reduced benefits, reduced survivor benefits, final average earnings over five years and early retirement changes to 60 years of age and 90 points
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Creation of low cost carrier with lower pay scales for new hires
Why do we need a strong strike vote?
A strong strike mandate delivers the message to the company that the membership supports their elected bargaining committee. The stronger the mandate, the better the possibility of a strong negotiated collective agreement. A high in-favour strike vote will help us to reach a better settlement at the bargaining table with little or no job action being taken.
What is strike action?
Strike action includes a range of possible measures, including overtime bans, work to rule, study sessions, rotating strikes and full walkouts. None of these measures can legally be taken without a favourable strike vote in hand.
Can the company lock us out?
Yes, as we have the right to strike, the company has the ability to lock us out.
How do I apply for strike benefits?
You must register and make application for strike benefits on the day assigned to you by the Local.
How do you qualify for strike pay?
You must be a member in good standing before the strike starts. You will not be eligible while you are collecting medical benefits. You must participate in a strike activity assigned to you by your Local Union. You must also register and make an application for strike benefits on the day assigned to you.
Who is not entitled to strike benefits?
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If you are unemployed or on layoff status prior to the strike
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If you are drawing sick and/or accident benefits
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If you are drawing Workers Compensation or unemployment benefits
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If you earn $250.00 gross pay or more during the strike
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If you are on vacation
What about "temp" workers?
Probationary and temporary workers may become eligible for strike benefits only if they have paid the current month’s dues prior to the strike taking place. They must sign their yellow cards and forward to their district chairperson and/or vice president.
How much is strike pay?
Weekly benefits of $200.00 are paid on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, week of the strike. This increases to $250.00 on the 5th week for the duration of the strike.
Is strike pay taxable?
No, strike pay is not taxable.
What happens to my medical coverage and insurance coverage?
Your active participation in the strike duty assigned to you will entitle you and your dependents to have your basic group medical coverage paid for by the strike fund. This will not include vision, hearing or dental. Prescriptions will still be covered. The CAW will cover the company’s portion of your Group Life insurance and AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment), but not optional life or optional AD&D.
What about members who are on GDIP or will need to be on GDIP?
The plan administrator for the GDIP Plan confirmed that members whose disability date commenced prior to the date of strike will be eligible for GIDIP benefits and if the claim is approved, benefits will also continue during the strike period. If a member is absent from work due to strike, employment shall be deemed to continue for a period of up to 12 months provided premium contributions are prepaid within 30 days of the date such strike begins. If the Member becomes disabled during this period, benefits will commence on the 15th day following the end of the strike within the 12-month period provided the member is still totally disabled. Premium cheques should be made payable to CAW Local 2002 Disability Trust Fund and mailed to:
Canadian Benefits Consulting Group
2300 Yonge Street, Ste. 3000
Toronto, ON M4P 1E4
Can striking employees still access company property?
No.
How is my vacation affected?
CORRECTION --- Vacation - including the Vacation Purchase Plan (VPP)
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If your vacation commenced prior to the strike date, you will complete your vacation prior to being removed from the payroll. Your travel profile will remain active until the end of your vacation period.
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If your vacation is scheduled to start and end entirely during the strike period, you will have your vacation cleared (paid) within two pay periods following your return-to-work.
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If your vacation is scheduled to start during the strike period and end after the strike is over - you will be returned to the payroll at the end of the strike and will be considered to be on vacation until such time as the originally scheduled vacation would have ended. The vacation portion that occurred during the strike period will be cleared (paid) within two pay periods following your return-to-work.
What happens if I am on a leave?
If you are on a leave, medical or otherwise, you will continue on your leave until such time as you are to normally return to work. If that happens before the strike is over, you will join the rest of the membership in being on strike. The only exception is if you are on leave using article LOU 16/17. In those cases, as soon as we go on strike, you will return to the membership ranks. If there is time left in this type of leave when we return to work, you will be allowed to finish your term to the original end date.
Can I withdraw money from my time-bank while on strike?
No. Any time-bank withdrawal will need to occur before the strike begins. We caution members that if it is your intent to withdraw money from your time-bank, you should do it well before the strike deadline.
What happens to people who cross the picket line?
They are not protected by a collective agreement and are at the mercy of the employer, (and the employees!)
Will calls be directed elsewhere if we are on strike?
In the case of work stoppage, most corporations have a contingency plan in place; the union is not privy to that.
What about the Jazz workers who work at airports with Air Canada brothers and sisters?
They have language in their contract that says they do not have to report to work if they fear for their safety; they are our brothers and sisters and will be sure to support us where they can as we would them.
For a more detailed description of strike benefits please refer to:
Summary of CAW Strike Assistance Rules