Job Action
CMBC-Job Action FAQ
January 19, 2024
To: All MoveUP members at CMBC
- What is Third Party Picket support? And why is it necessary?
In some cases, MoveUP members may find their workplaces picketed by members of another union that is on strike. When we stand with other union members by refusing to cross their picket line, we help put added pressure on their employer. Many other unions’ struggles are linked to our own and we need to remember that one day, we may need their support in our own disputes.
- What job action is planned?
We currently know is that CUPE is planning to picket all Depots and Seabus north starting on Monday January 22 at 3am for 48 hours. Further information will be provided as it comes available.
- Does MoveUP provide strike pay even if we are supporting another union’s picket line?
Yes! Just as we would provide strike pay for our disputes, we follow the same guidelines as set in our National and Local Constitutions and By-Laws. All members participating in job action will be required to perform assigned duties from your Job Action Committee.
- What is the MoveUP and National’s strike pay?
Our National will provide $300 while MoveUP will pay $250, working out to be a total of $550 per week tax free, just as if it was our job action. Your Job Action Committee will set the required amount of hours or days needed to receive full strike pay, but generally MoveUP has required 20hrs in 4hr shifts over 5 days to receive the full $550 per week.
The strike is currently expected to last for 48 hours, so each 4 hour shift will be pro-rated and paid out at $110/shift. If you do not report for picket duty, you will not receive picket pay.
Casual and part time workers: If you are scheduled to work on the two days affected by the strike, please report to the picket line for a 4 hour shift
Your Job Action Committee will also be able to find ways to accommodate members who are physically unable to be on a picket line, facing family concerns or any other issues that may prevent you from participating in the full 20hrs. These concerns will be addressed in individual requests made to the Job Action Committee when job action begins.
- What if I can not afford to only be paid $550 a week, can I choose to cross the picket line?
No, while we know that life is expensive for everyone right now, we strongly encourage members to respect the picket lines. By failing to do so, could see members being targeted by picketers as well members could face discipline through MoveUP’s Constitution, under Article 16.
- What if I am physically unable to picket for four hours?
If you have a disability please identify your self to a picket captain and they will identify alternate duties. If you have a disability you may bring a chair to assist you with your picketing duties.
- Does MoveUP need any documentation from us?
Yes! MoveUP requires the most recent three pay stubs for auditing purposes. Your Job Action Committee will begin requesting the stubs next week to ensure we have them before action starts as members will not be able to access work email or any other platform the employer uses.
- I have a day off/pre-approved paid leave/booked vacation/RWWL days, what will happen if we are on strike?
If you have scheduled day off, there is no need to report for picket duty.
Your employer should honour vacation/RWWL day requests that have already been approved before job action started. If there are any concerns or issues, please contact your union rep Shawn Lakusta as quickly as possible.
- What if I am sick or an approved STD or LTD claim?
If you become sick, email the job action committee. If you do not report for picket duty you will not receive picket pay from MoveUP. If you are on a pre approved STD or LTD claim you should not report to the picket line and continue to receive that benefit.
- When will we know our strike schedules and am I able to request which shift I want?
Check your personal email for more information about your assigned strike shift. If for some reason you cannot report for picket duty at your assigned time please reach out to cmbcjac@moveUPTogether.ca
- What should I do when I arrive for my assigned picket duty?
Report to the MoveUP picket captain to ensure your name is recorded. Remember to notify the picket captain when your shift is over.
- Can I work from home if there is a picket line at my work location?
No, if your work location is not behind a picket line (eg. Gateway) you may work from home. Should a picket line go up at your work location at a later time, you may not work from home.
- If I am permitted to choose a different location or am directed to work at a location that is not behind a picket line, can I go to work?
Yes, you can work where you are directed or permitted to work as long as it is not behind a picket line.
- Can I park in the employee parking lot when reporting for picket duty?
If the employee parking lot is behind a picket line, do not cross the picket line. Please find other suitable parking for your vehicle.
- What if I rely on transit to get to work?
Try to reach out to coworkers to arrange a carpool or find another way to get to work. If you can help with carpooling please reach out to the job action committee at cmbcjac@moveUPTogether.ca. If you cannot find a way to report for picket duty please contact the Job Action Committee.
- How will picket pay be received?
Picket duty will be tracked and members will receive payment from MoveUP
- What if I work a compressed work week?
Members who work a compressed work week are expected to report for picket duty for a minimum 4 hour shift on their regularly scheduled days.
- What if I am acting in an exempt role during the job action?
You are still a union member and are required to respect a picket line. The labour code and our Collective Agreement protects all workers who respect a legal picket line. You may want to reach out to your manager and advise them. If you wish to collect picket pay, you should report to the picket line for your assigned shift.
- What hours will MoveUP be providing picket support?
06:00-18:00 at all depots except RTC and PTC which will be 06:00-14:00
In solidarity
Shawn Lakusta, Union Representative
Christy Slusarenko, Vice President Combined Units