Strike Vote FAQ
WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER
It is a fact that more than 95% of contracts are reached without ever resorting to a strike. Yet, from time to time unfortunately, strikes are necessary to maintain what we currently enjoy in our collective agreements, and to achieve the bargaining goals we have set.
In the event of a strike or lockout, we must stick together and help one another. The union will do all it can, and you will receive full support from each other – in many cases, levels of support you might never have imagined possible.
Q: What is a No Board report? What does a “countdown” to a strike mean?
A no-board report is a formal notice issued by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). It recognizes that the union and the employer have reached a deadlock and that third-party conciliation has not resulted in a contract agreement. Once this report is issued, it triggers a legally defined 17 calendar day countdown. After those 17 calendar days, both the union and the employer are in a legal strike or lockout position.
Q: Can we still negotiate during the 17-day countdown period?
Yes. Negotiations can continue at any point during the 17 day countdown after a No Board report is issued. The countdown simply establishes when the union and employer may legally enter a strike or lockout position — it does not stop bargaining from continuing. Both sides can keep meeting, exchanging proposals, and working toward a settlement right up until the deadline and even beyond.
Q: What is a strike vote?
A vote by members of a bargaining unit during negotiations. A strong ‘yes’ vote empowers your Negotiating Team! It signals to your union and to the University that the Membership is behind the Negotiating Team. It also formally authorizes them to take job action, such as calling a strike, when the University fails to make progress on key issues. Since the University knows that WLUSA/OSSTF has the authorization to call a strike if necessary, a strong ‘yes’ vote can encourage the University to make concessions.
Q: Does voting ‘yes’ mean we are going on strike?
No, voting ‘yes’ does NOT mean we are going on strike at this time. A strong ‘yes’ vote can actually help move negotiations along, as it signals to the University that the Membership stands behind its Negotiating Team. Your Negotiating Team will keep you informed of any developments.
Q: Why is it important to vote ‘yes’
A strong ‘yes’ vote demonstrates your support for the Negotiating team and the mandate you gave them. A strong ‘yes’ vote is also a way to push back against unreasonable proposals from the University.
Q: What happens if we vote ‘no’?
A ‘no’ vote signals to the University a lack of support for our demands, giving leverage to the University. Voting ‘no’ does not prevent the University from locking us out. If we were to be locked out, we would not be able to work, access our offices and emails, collect a pay cheque, access benefits or make pension contributions.
Q: Can the University retaliate if I vote ‘yes’?
No, the University cannot legally retaliate against a strike vote. A strike vote is protected by Ontario Labour Laws and retaliation is illegal. Please immediately report any retaliation made by the University to WLUSA.
Q: Will there be another vote?
No. The strike vote is the only opportunity you have to demonstrate support for the team and the mandate you gave them. Across Ontario, conciliation has proven an effective means to reach an agreement if WLUSA has a strong strike mandate.
