What You Need to Know!
Unions make a difference both at work and in the quality of life you earn. We call that difference the union advantage.
The labour movement was created by people standing up together for fair wages, safe workplaces and decent work hours. Many of the benefits and standards won for our members are enjoyed by all workers today, such as minimum wage, health and safety regulations, and overtime.
Having a union on your side makes your job and your workplace safer and fairer. You get paid better and are more likely to have benefits that help you balance work with life at home. Your health and ability to do your job become important and your right to fair treatment gets enforced.
Union membership made a difference in the lives of workers in every province and territory. On average, unionized workers across Canada earned $5.28/hour more than non-union workers. Women with unions earned more too ($7.10/hour) and got paid more fairly. Workers under age 25 earned an extra 27% from jobs covered by a collective agreement.
But this advantage doesn’t just belong to union members. It benefits everyone.
Workers in unions are an important part of the local community and economy because that’s where they spend their paycheques. Their incomes support local businesses (who create local jobs) and bolster the local tax base, which supports public works and community services that add to everyone’s quality of life.
The benefits enjoyed by unionized workers (dental insurance, extended health care coverage and legal insurance, to name a few) attract and support dentists, opticians, chiropractors, therapists, health specialists, and family lawyers whose services are available to everyone in the community.
When they retire, the incomes earned from years of contributions into pension plans also provide money to spend in the community. More importantly, they provide income security, which means fewer seniors having to rely on their families or social programs to get by. Same goes for the health, drug and survivor benefits that many retirees enjoy because they had a union when they worked.
When unions stand up for fairness, they raise the bar for everyone. Many of the things first won by unions are enjoyed by all workers today – minimum wages, overtime pay, workplace safety standards, maternity and parental leave, vacation pay, and protection from discrimination and harassment.
What You Need to Know!
Why Unions?
CUPE 1883 Myth Busters
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) we’ve received about striking, our contract, and more.
If you have a question you would like answered, please submit it using the form at the bottom of this page, or on the contact page.
What is bargaining?
Bargaining is the process where our bargaining committee and our employer meet to negotiate with the intent to renew a collective agreement. They discuss, negotiate, and focus on things such as wages, working conditions, grievance procedures, and benefits. Member input is gathered prior to the commencement of bargaining. The bargaining committee is made up of the local executive and members at large.
What does ‘being on strike’ actually mean?
“Being on strike” means we withdraw our labour power. That means that we don’t perform our employment-related duties. It also means fulfilling our strike duties (see below).
What does a picket captain do?
Please see the 'What Can You Do' page for more information on this.
How long are picket line shifts?
A picket line shift is four hours long. We will start with two shifts per day, a morning shift (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and an afternoon shift (12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Please arrive before your scheduled start time and dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Who is eligible to receive strike pay?
Members who are on the employer’s payroll as of the start of the strike are eligible to receive strike pay.
How much is strike pay? How many hours of strike duties are required in order to receive strike pay?
Strike pay is $300 per week. Most members are expected to engage in strike duties for 20 hours per week (normally a four-hour shift, five days a week) in order to receive strike pay.
What if I can't make my (mortgage, phone, utility, property tax, credit card, etc) payment?
We have letters that we can provide you that explain you are part of a Union that is currently on strike. We will provide you verification of strike pay, and try to work with you and the company to come to a mutually agreeable outcome.
What strike duties can I perform to receive strike pay?
Members must perform strike duties in order to receive strike pay. In order to maintain picket lines, for most members their strike duty will be joining the picket lines. If this is not possible due to mobility or other significant issues, alternate duties will be arranged (see below). According to CUPE National policy, members cannot receive strike pay (from CUPE National) for attending meetings.
What if I need to perform strike duties other than picketing?
Generally speaking, there are three reasons that you could have the need for alternate duties.
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You could have a mobility issue;
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You could have reasons pertaining to physical or mental health; or
3. You are a caregiver/parent and unable to afford or secure adequate and predictable childcare or
elder care.
Alternate duties tasks, from both strike headquarters or from your home, are being determined as needed. These duties will be crucial to the success of the strike and we need your help. Please contact detailing your reasoning and you will be sent a questionnaire to determine what kind of strike duty will enable you to contribute in an important sense to a victorious job action.
What about our health benefits?
Our health benefits coverage will continue during the strike due to the support of CUPE National. Members can submit their claims to CUPE.
Can I communicate with management during a strike? What about other members?
CUPE 1883 members should not be communicating with management during a strike. As a union, we will try to keep members informed via our website, social media and our strike headquarters. Please reach out to a picket captain or member of the committee to verify information, and ensure the information you are sharing is valid.
How long does negotiating take?
There is no telling how long it will take to reach an amicable contract for both parties. It may take weeks, months, or more than a year.
Can I bring my children/pets?
No. Due to concern for your family and pets' safety, they will not be allowed on the picket line while you are on duty. If you attend the picket line with your family and pets, you will be asked to leave and return without them. Your duty will not commence until you attend the picket line alone.
If you have more questions about the negotiating process,
please fill out the form below.