Strike/Lockout/Inside Campaign Info

Q:  Can the Union stop employees from working?

A:  Absolutely not.  All employees can work if they want.

Q:  If there is a strike, will the contractors operate?

A:  Yes.  The contractors are prepared to operate and service all of their customers.

Q:  Do striking employees get paid unemployment benefits?

A:  No.  If employees choose to strike, the contractors do not pay them.  Under Oregon law, striking employees generally are not eligible for unemployment compensation.

Q:  Can employees still go to work if the Union calls a strike?

A:  Yes.  Whether employees decide to work or not is solely their decision.  It is illegal for either the contractors or the Union to threaten or intimidate employees in deciding what they want to do.

Q:  Can the Union penalize members who decide to cross a picket line and work?

A:  It depends on what the Union’s Constitution and Local Union By-Laws provide.  But normally, under its Constitution or By-Laws, a Union can fine or penalize any member who works during a strike.

Q:  If employees are Union members and want to work after a strike starts, is there any way they can avoid a potential fine or penalty from the Union?

A:  Yes.  Under the National Labor Relations Board’s rules, an employee who wants to work and avoid any fines can do one of two things:  resign from the Union or change membership status to “financial core.”  Legally, employees can resign from the Union any time after the contract expires.  If employees wish to resign from the Union, they should send or hand-deliver a letter to the Union stating so.  Resignations will be effective upon receipt of the letter by the Union.  However, remember that if employees want to join the Union after the strike, they may have to pay a new initiation fee.

Q:  Is there a way to avoid the risk of having a new initiation fee?

A:  Yes.  Employees may change their membership from that of a full member to what is called a “financial core” member.  This means employees continue to pay the regular dues required of all regular members, but the Union may not subject them to any other obligations of membership and may not fine them for crossing a picket line.  The Union cannot require an initiation fee from employees if they become a “financial core” member.

Q:  Can you provide some information on the alleged Inside Campaign that is being promoted by some UA290 members as a bargaining strategy to be used against the contractors?

A:  Please see the recent handbills regarding the alleged Inside Campaign.