Your union is asking you and your colleagues to strike. Striking is serious — it costs you money in lost pay, and impacts the critical services and care we know you take great pride in delivering to the people who depend on you. We believe it is wrong for any union to threaten services to patients, students and the public as a negotiating tactic. Below is important information about striking, including your right not to.

Q. Will I lose pay for participating in a strike?
A. Employees who are absent from work without prior authorization during a strike will not be paid for the absence. If you are absent due to illness, you may be asked to provide a doctor’s note. Authorization for an absence from work (e.g., vacation leave) may or may not be granted, depending on operational necessity and without regard to the reason for the requested leave.

Q. Do I have to strike? Can I be penalized by the union for not striking?
A. No employee is ever obligated to strike. Unions are legally prohibited from threatening or coercing members to keep them from coming to work. Some unions have the right to fine members, but not non-members, who choose to work during a strike. Even if the union does levy fines, UC will not deduct union fines from employees’ paychecks.

Q. Will I be paid if I work during a strike? Can I be prevented from working?
A. If you come to work, you will receive the same pay and benefits as you normally do. Under the law, any union-represented employee is free to cross a picket line and come to work. Pickets are lawful so long as they are peaceful, conducted only on public property (i.e., sidewalks), do not block access to facilities, do not interfere with the normal course of business, and do not prohibit non-striking employees from working. UC will assist employees who want to work by providing security or transportation across picket lines. Non-striking employees should avoid interactions with striking/picketing colleagues that could inflame the situation. If an employee feels for any reason that s/he is being prevented from working, the employee should notify their supervisor or campus labor relations office immediately.

Q. Am I permitted to talk to my supervisor or unit manager about any of this?
A. Absolutely. Your manager is another resource for answers and information.