https://workerscantwait.ca/strike-faq/

Please see this section “About strike action”

We know the employer has told members you can choose to work even if you’re not designated essential during a strike action.This is not the union’s position and there are potential consequences, as per the PSAC constitution. We need to stick together!

There is a secondary line being organized for tomorrow on the military base in London.
7am-130pm

701 Oxford St E *Elizabeth St entrance. There is free street parking, or at the old sunrise lot, or community center. Also bathrooms at community centre or Tim’s. Mandy will be signing folks in! (Counts as picket duty)

We hope everyone is doing well and feeling solidarity on those picket lines. If you need support, reach out. CEIU elected officers and staff are here for you!

If we hold the line, Treasury Board will hear us loud and clear. The teams are still at the bargaining table, and we still hope for a fair and equitable contract!

We wanted to take a moment to share some clarifications with our members and reiterate some important information.

Compressed Days Off or Alternate Work Arrangements

We’ve received clarification on strike activity for compressed days off (CDOs) or alternate work arrangement (AWA) days. Some guidance has changed in this regard. If you have a CDO or an AWA, you will be eligible for strike pay!

From PSAC’s FAQ:

Do I need to participate in strike activities during my compressed days off (CDOs) or days of rest?

You are expected to engage in strike activity on your CDOs or days of rest because CDOs are determined by the employer.

Crossing the Picket Line (in person or virtually)

Many members have been asking about the consequences of crossing picket lines. If you have not been designated essential, please note the following:

As per PSAC’s Constitution, Regulation 19, crossing a picket line could result in fines as well as the suspension of your union membership.

Beyond the Constitution, it’s important to recognize that strike action is a sacrifice for everyone who walks the picket line or participates in strike activity. Everyone will be returning to the workplace with their colleagues, and everyone will benefit from the work action and collective agreement that results from the work stoppage. For that reason, it may be difficult for some members to understand why other members would not have been on the line.

Strike Pay

A quick reminder about how strike pay works!

PSAC members will receive $75 by e-transfer if they have registered via their personalized link sent from PSAC (noreply@psac-afpc.com). You must have a personal e-mail on file in order to receive your link.

Furthermore, CEIU members will receive an additional $50, also by e-transfer. It is very important to note that if you have already registered for PSAC’s e-transfer, then no further reaction is required.

Our CEIU strike pay will be issued approximately 2-3 business days after PSAC’s are sent out.

One last reminder – if you do not register for e-transfer, you will be eligible to receive the 50$ but your payment will be delayed seeing as we will have to issue a cheque. Sign up here to make sure your mailing address is current if you intend to receive a cheque.

Together, we will succeed.

CEIU-SEIC
http://www.ceiu-seic.ca/

Urgent! Trudeau is going to be in St. THOMAS tomorrow. PSAC has arranged a bus. If anyone is able to come meet us to go, we need to meet at 7am at the Ramada @817 Exeter Rd at Wellington in London Friday, April 21st. If you can come, please email saraj.psac@gmail.com ASAP! It will count as your picket duty for tomorrow. Let’s do this!

*if you’re in or near St. THOMAS and can meet us at Elgin County Railway Museum for 8am, please also reach out!

If you are not essential code 1, Please prepare to report to your closest picket line in the morning. This is our moment to show the employer that we will not back down from the fight for a fair deal for workers.

This will be one of the largest strikes in Canada’s history. Together, we will be on the picket line, side by side, fighting for what’s right – what all workers deserve.

In London, you can report for 4 hours of your choice between the hours of 7am and 5pm. Please bring your union card or union number if you have one and sign in with a picket captain. See schedule.

Parking for 451 Talbot- some options

199 Ridout S @ Horton is $1 for 8am to 6pm with promo code CORE if you pick the full day option. Zone 2181

Bud Gardens is $3 for the same period and a little closer.

There are also other nearby lots or street parking.
(Parking costs are not being covered.)

*CORE promo gives a $5 discount in the HONK parking app

Routes & Schedules

See you there!

In the interest of providing members with the most information possible, we wanted to share the following information should we go on strike tomorrow.

PICKET LOCATIONS

You can check out the Picket Line Finder.

Workers can’t wait

It will give you a list of picket locations near you simply by entering a city or postal code!

(you can attend closest line to you)

MEMBERS IN ESSENTIAL POSITIONS

As someone who has been designated essential, you must report for work like you would generally. However, should you have to cross a picket line, remember to have your Essential letter with you, as well as ID. (Paper letter or on your phone)

If you want to support your striking colleagues, there are many things you can do. You can drop by the line on unpaid breaks, you can also show your support with buttons or virtual backgrounds. Most importantly, do not take on any work tasks that you would not on a regular basis. Have some doubts about work – talk to a picket captain or union representative.

STRIKE PAY

PSAC sent an e-mail to all members who had a personal e-mail address on file with a link to sign up for e-transfer payments of strike pay.

As we have outlined in previous e-mails – PSAC provides 75$/day and CEIU provides 50$/day for a total of 125$/day. This amount is non-taxable.

If you have signed up for PSAC’s e-transfer – no further action is required for CEIU’s e-transfer.

The PSAC sign up automatically signs you up to CEIU’s as well.

Should you choose to not get strike pay via e-transfer, CEIU does not have the capacity to print cheques on the picket line – and thus your CEIU strike pay will be delayed.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Should you require an accommodation because you cannot be on the picket line for reasons of disability or other – please reach out to your PSAC Regional Office.

London RO 519-659-1124

PSAC is responsible for the picket lines and thus set the accommodations.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PSAC currently has an extensive list of frequently asked questions that you can check out here!
https://psacunion.ca/strike-faq

Lastly – keep in mind – if you have not received your e-mail for e-transfer or your bar code- Go to the nearest picket line and they will get you all set up! All you need is your PSAC ID

This morning, Chris Aylward, PSAC National President, authorized strike action to begin at 12:01 am on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 if we cannot reach a fair and equitable deal. 

This is a truly historic moment for workers. A strike by PSAC would be one of the largest strikes in Canada’s history and mean real gains for our members at the table. Together, we wield incredible power and can shut the government down to secure a fair contract and set a standard that supports unionized and non-unionized workers across the country. 

Your union is here for you and we want to make sure you have all the information you need. 

Your PSAC ID: 

Your Local: 581

Our records show that you are a full member and have completed your membership card. 

To receive strike pay from both PSAC and CEIU, please complete the e-transfer form sent to you by PSAC. If you did not receive the email, please contact your regional office. 

We are aware of emails from the employer asking members to report their whereabouts in the event of a strike. 

There is no legal requirement that you inform the employer that you are on strike, either at the commencement of strike action or daily. You are not required to have any communication with your manager unless you’re an essential worker with an ESA letter, or you’re asked to return employer equipment. 

Information about picket lines will be available in the coming days. Should you be asked to travel upwards of an hour to reach a picket OR need an accommodation, please reach out to your PSAC regional office.

Members in essential service positions should only perform essential duties during a strike. 

PSAC has also created an FAQ to answer your questions and is updating it regularly.

In solidarity,

CEIU-SEIC
http://www.ceiu-seic.ca/

If you have questions regarding the strike please refer to the Treasury Board: Frequently Asked Questions.

Those who do not have PSAC ID #, reach out to an executive. But don’t worry, know that we got you, we will have physical cards available for you to sign.

If there is no deal reached by 9 p.m. ET tomorrow, April 18, we will launch a national general strike beginning at 12:01 a.m. ET Wednesday, April 19 for all our 155,000 PSAC members working for both CRA and Treasury Board.

If not now then when???!!!! Let’s stand together to WIN together!!!