STRIKE FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a strike?
A strike is a decision by the members to withhold their labor from
their employer. This occurs usually when the members reject the last
and final offer by the employer.
When do we go on strike?
If negotiations collapse and no compromise can be reached, the
unions call a strike. The UFCW Constitution requires that any strike
or economic action must be approved by a two-thirds vote and
sanctioned by the International Union.
A. What is an unfair strike?
This is when a company breaks the law. Two examples of that are
threatening you with no promotions and transferring or terminating
you if you honor the picket line. They can’t fire you for honoring a
strike.
B. What is an economic Strike?
This is when the primary issues are about money (as opposed to
working conditions in contract language).
What is a lockout?
The term lockout refers to when a particular employer is targeted in
a strike (Albertson’s, for example), and the other employers
(Safeway, Fred Meyer, etc.) “lockout” their employees as a result.
In other words, a strike against one employer is a strike against
all.
Why might we strike at this time?
Probably primarily to keep our health and welfare benefits, but
there may be other issues.
How long do you think the strike will last?
There is no way of telling how long a strike will last. It depends
on the members. With huge and enthusiastic member-supported
participation in the strike, it could be short. However, we must
stress that any weakness on behalf of the members favors the
employers and weakens the membership.
If we are on strike, will the company still pay my wages,
pension, and benefits?
No.
I can’t afford to strike; how much will I receive from the union
while picketing?
We understand that a strike is a hardship for those that picket as
well as their families. The Executive Board of Local 367 authorized
strike benefits for those that picket. Please call your Union Rep,
or talk to your Shop Steward for details. The International Union
provides a $100.00 weekly strike benefit for active members.
I cannot afford to strike because:
I have a car payment
I have a house payment
I have bills
I have car insurance
If we lose this strike, your payment worries will be worse because
you won’t be able to make most of them anyway.
Who can receive strike benefits?
Article 23(E) (3) of the UFCW International Constitution states that
strike benefits are payable only to active members of the Local
Union.
If I strike, do I keep my insurance?
Yes, if you have qualifying hours in the month.
Will my health care insurance still be in effect during a strike?
Once your coverage lapses after the second month off work, your
insurance will only stay in effect if you self pay your premium.
During a labor dispute, your employer will not make contributions to
the Trust on your behalf.
If I walk the picket line, do those hours count for benefits?
No.
If I strike, do those hours count toward my medical insurance?
No. You are eligible for benefits if you have worked the required
number of hours per month in a qualifying month.
Can I use my vacation time to buy my health coverage?
No.
Will I get my vacation or anniversary pay if we are on strike?
If you are eligible, you may request vacation pay. However, you
should not go into the store to get the check. Your check should be
brought outside to you. Some companies have indicated that they will
mail checks to your last known address, in the event of a strike.
Please be sure to provide your company with your current address.
Be advised: If your employer refuses to pay your vacation pay,
contact your union rep to file a grievance.
Am I eligible for unemployment during a strike?
In most cases, the answer is no.
What do I do if I am already scheduled to take vacation during
the strike?
You may take your vacation. However, if you are in town, we would
urge you to participate in the strike. If you are out of town,
please make sure that you keep in contact with the union office
regarding the strike. Be sure to check the hotline and our website
as well.
Will I have to report strike pay to the IRS?
Federal law requires unions to provide a 1099 form to the IRS to
anyone receiving benefits/assistance/wages in a calendar year.
Can I get another job during the strike?
Yes, but not at a store that is on strike or lockout. In addition,
we do not advise our members to seek employment with non-union
competition, such as Wal-Mart. We ask that all members walk the
picket line, even though they accept employment elsewhere in the
interim.
What can I do economically to prepare for a strike?
Save money.
Do I have to picket?
We encourage all of our members to strike and honor the picket line.
A strike is only successful if members participate. It is important
that you return to work after the strike has concluded.
Can I be fired for honoring the picket line?
No.
Can I be arrested for picketing?
No– if you follow the rules.
Can I be fined by the union for crossing the picket line?
Yes, the International constitution and bylaws provide a procedure
where members may be fined or expelled from the Union for crossing a
picket line.
If I am at work and we have to picket my store, do I stop working
and leave the store?
Yes.
What should I say to my manager if he/she asks me to work during
the strike?
Tell your manager that you will be supporting your union and
co-workers and will NOT work during the strike.
If other members decide not to volunteer to walk the picket line,
what can we do to change their minds?
Talk to them about what we can lose if we don’t honor the picket
line and encourage them to get informed by attending the meetings.
If I picket, how many hours per week?
Up to 40 hours per week.
Will the picket line be 24 hours a day?
Yes.
Will we be required to walk the picket lines on the weekend or
when needed?
When needed. The picket lines will be 24 hours a day, seven days a
week.
Do I have to picket my own store, or are we assigned a store?
You will picket your own store because you need to be at a store
where the customers know you and understand what you are trying to
accomplish.
While on strike, is it okay to shop at the store we are
picketing?
Absolutely not. It’s one of the worst things you could do. It is
best to shop at the stores not on strike.
What if I’m on disability or workmen’s comp or receiving support?
You can visit the picket line, but do not walk the picket line,
especially if you are on workman’s comp.
What if I am retiring or retired?
Honor the picket line.
Can family/friends join the picket line? Is there an age
requirement?
Yes. Family and friends can join the picket line; no age
limitations.
What other group or union will honor our strike?
The Teamsters and some delivery companies. This is determined by
each union’s contract and whether they are permitted to honor our
lines. Remember, if we stop the customer, there is no one to buy the
products!
I heard that my company is in the process of training management
and others in our company to drive trucks and to perform other job
duties; is this a standard tactic?
It is common practice during Food and Meat negotiations for the
employer to begin cross training for management, and for the
employer to solicit help from its subsidiaries. Just remember that
you outnumber management when you put on a united front whether or
not we are in strike mode. Therefore, management is not capable of
producing the quality or quantity of work that the bargaining unit
produces collectively. You should also discourage your friends and
family members from crossing the picket line.
Is the company going to be mad at me after the strike?
No.
Why do we have a strike settlement agreement after the strike?
To get rid of all scabs and make sure all employees go back to work.
Can we be permanently replaced?
Your employer may threaten that you will be permanently replaced,
but at the end of a strike, settlement agreements always include
return to work for anyone who wants to return to their job.
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