Part One: strike/lockout information
General
Q1. Are we going on strike?
Your OPSEU bargaining team is bargaining for a collective agreement, not a work stoppage. We’ll go on strike only as a last resort.
Q2. When could a strike or lockout happen?
A strike or lockout could happen as soon as 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 26.
Q3. Can bargaining continue before the strike deadline?
Yes. In most cases, both parties feel strongly motivated to bargain seriously when the clock is ticking towards a strike deadline.
Q4. If there is a strike, how will I know when it starts?
Your bargaining team will communicate with all members throughout the bargaining process by email and through OPSEU’s website.
Q5. Who will participate in a strike or lockout?
If a strike or lockout happens, all bargaining unit employees – permanent or temporary, fixed-term or seasonal – are on strike.
Q6. If I’m an acting manager, will I participate in a strike or lockout?
In the event of a strike or lockout, acting managers will be asked to return to the bargaining unit and will participate in the same way as all members of the bargaining unit.
Strike pay and duties
Q7. Will I receive strike pay?
In the event of a strike or lockout, strike pay is provided to members who complete strike-related duties assigned by their local strike committee. You will receive strike pay if:
- you have signed your OPSEU union card and filled out your Member Personal Information Form (Form B) so that strike pay can be processed and deposited into your personal bank or credit union account;
- you perform strike duties (e.g., picket duty) for 20 hours per week; and
- the strike or lockout lasts more than one day (If a strike lasts more than one day, you will receive strike pay after the first week of picket duty from the first day you go out.).
Q8. How much is strike pay?
Under OPSEU policy, strike pay is provided to members who complete strike-related duties assigned by their local strike committee. Only signed-up members are eligible to receive strike pay. Strike pay is not taxable.
Delegates at the 2016 OPSEU Convention voted for a substantial increase in strike pay.
During weeks one to three, each member is entitled to strike pay of $40 per day (or $200 per week). Each dependant is entitled to $10 per day (or $50 per week).
During the fourth week, strike pay increases and each member is entitled to $60 per day (or $300 per week). Dependant pay remains the same at $50 per week.
A dependant is defined as:
- a non-income-earning spouse (excluding a spouse on strike);
- a child under 18 (or under 26 if attending school full-time) OR a dependant child as defined by the collective agreement or benefit plan;
- a disabled family member; or
- an elderly family member who normally receives financial support from the striking member.
If both spouses are on strike, both may claim the dependants.
Q9. How will I receive my strike pay?
The local finance sub-committee of your local strike committee submits records of strike duties weekly to the Accounting Department at OPSEU head office. Members who have completed a Form B will then receive their strike pay from Accounting by direct deposit. Please make sure that OPSEU has your non‑employer email address to receive confirmations.
Q10. What is a “Form B” and why do I need to fill it out?
OPSEU pays strike pay through direct deposit to members’ personal bank or credit union accounts. To do this, OPSEU Accounting needs your account information on a Form B, the Member Personal Information Form.
Here’s how it works:
- Form B is a fillable electronic form in two parts. Start by filling out the top part of the form to provide your name, contact information, and number of dependants.
- Have your steward or a member of your local executive committee sign the form.
- Fill out the Direct Deposit Agreement section of the form and include the required banking information.
- Send the completed form, with your banking information, to OPSEU Accounting. There are four ways to do this:
- Give them to an OPSEU mobilizer.
- Drop them off at your nearest OPSEU regional office.
- Mail them to OPSEU Head Office, attention: LBED mobilization, 100 Lesmill Road, Toronto ON M3B 3P8.
- Email a scanned pdf of your form (with signatures), along with a low-resolution scan or photo of your void cheque.
Q11. What are strike duties?
These are duties assigned by your local strike committee that will help put maximum pressure on the employer to ensure the strike is as short as possible and that a new contract is reached as soon as possible. Strike duties may include picketing, running strike headquarters, handling strike logistics, lobbying politicians, talking to reporters, or any other duties that the local strike committee decides.
Remember, you should use your personal email to communicate about strike preparations – not the employer’s email.
Q12. How much time must I spend on strike duties to qualify for strike pay?
You must perform a minimum of four hours of strike duty per day, or a minimum of 20 hours per week, to be eligible for strike pay. Obviously, each local will want every member to put in as much time as possible to support the strike.
Q13. What about day care costs?
There are no provisions for day care costs while on strike. You must work with your local committees to make suitable arrangements or accommodations so you can fulfil your strike responsibilities.
Q14. Can I arrange to picket at a location that is closer to my home?
Yes, you can arrange to picket at a location that is not in your local. You will need to fill out Form J (Picketing/Accommodation Information), which can be found in the Strike Manual. This form must be submitted to your OPSEU regional office or staff representative. Once this is done, the strike finance chair can record your hours on the Member Portal.
Q15. What if I am on an accommodation?
All members of a striking bargaining unit have the right to participate fully in the strike. However, some members may not be able to perform all strike duties. In such cases, the strike committee has a legal and moral obligation to modify the member’s strike duties to enable them to earn strike pay. This is called accommodation.
Members have a duty to inform their strike committee if they require an accommodation and to co‑operate in finding solutions.
Those requiring accommodation to perform modified strike picket duties must fill out Form J (Picketing/Accommodation Information), a copy of which is in the Strike Manual. Details of a member’s needs are confidential.
A member of the strike duties subcommittee shall be assigned to deal with requests for accommodation, which must be provided in a manner that respects the dignity of the person.
Q16. If I have financial commitments that I must fulfil, e.g., mortgage payments, loans, etc., what happens to them during the strike/lockout?
You will still be responsible for paying your bills, but you can often negotiate a hold on payment in the short term in the event of a strike.
Tips for budgeting during a strike or lockout:
- Mortgages/rent: Talk to your bank, credit union, or landlord and negotiate a plan for the duration before the next payment is due.
- Taxes: Ask if an accommodation can be arranged to defer property taxes.
- Utilities: Make a request to spread your payments.
- Loans: If your lender won’t allow a deferral, consider refinancing to reduce the payments.
- Credit cards: Charging purchases while on strike is not recommended. Pay the minimum charge or use a line of credit with a lower interest rate.
- Insurance: Investigate ways to spread out the premiums.
- Child support: Contact your ex-spouse and try to work something out.
Q17. What is the local hardship relief committee?
This is a sub-committee of the local strike committee that assists and provides advice to members who may require additional help to get through the strike.
The local hardship relief committee is funded by the donations it is able to collect – it is not funded by OPSEU centrally. The committee may make recommendations to the local strike committee that some members, who are experiencing particular hardship, receive special assistance. Committee members may also communicate with local financial institutions about the strike and, where necessary, intercede with those financial institutions to help striking members meet their credit obligations until the strike is over.
Please note that the normal hardships of being on strike do not qualify a member for hardship relief. To qualify, a member must first exhaust all other reasonable options.
All members are strongly encouraged to continue to plan their personal finances. Contact your bank, credit union, your landlord, your daycare provider, etc., to discuss payment options. The earlier you make a plan, the better prepared you will be.
Q18. How can I help my local during the strike?
There are many duties involved in running a successful strike. Consider volunteering for strike committees in the areas of communications, finance, or logistics. Help make signs, help run the phone tree, and spread the word about the issues to your friends, family members, neighbours, faith group members, and your MPP. Email or phone George Soleas, President and Chief Executive Officer of the LCBO, at 416-864-6723 and tell him to get back to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract! And visit the LiqiLeaks website for more actions you can take to show your support for the team.
Part Two: pension and benefit information
Benefits
Q19. Do I still receive insured benefits if I end up on strike or locked out?
Under OPSEU policy, the union attempts to negotiate with the employer (prior to any work stoppage) to continue insured benefits if there is a strike or lockout. Our bargaining team is currently in discussions with the employer about this.
Q21. Do I have to return employer-issued equipment if I end up on strike or locked out?
Yes, if asked, you must return all employer-issued equipment.
Vacation
Q22. What happens if I am on vacation when a strike or lockout starts? Will I get paid?
No. You are considered to be on strike or locked out once a labour dispute starts. The employer is not obliged to give you vacation pay.
Q23. If my pre-approved vacation falls during a strike or lockout, will I get vacation pay?
No. There is no collective agreement in effect. The employer does not have to pay you vacation pay. You keep your vacation credits and can take approved vacation later.
Sick Leave
Q24. Can I get short-term sick leave with pay when I’m on strike or locked out?
No, because the collective agreement does not apply.
Q25. What happens if I’m on short-term sick leave when a strike or lockout starts?
The employer will stop short-term sick leave benefits, but you can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits. Applications can be made directly by attending a Service Canada office. You may also check the Service Canada website. Be sure to keep copies of the forms and medical certificates related to your sick leave that you gave to your employer and Service Canada. You are responsible for any medical documentation completion fees, if charged by your doctor.
Q26. Am I eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits during a strike or lockout?
Maybe, if you can show that your leave was anticipated and arrangements for it had begun before a strike or lockout started. Being on short-term sick leave before a strike or lockout may show that your leave was anticipated. Inform the employer in writing of the dates of any scheduled surgery and anticipated recovery periods. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself at home.
However, be sure to check with Service Canada to determine whether your circumstances meet their entitlement for sickness benefits.
Q27. To apply for EI sickness benefits, I need my record of employment (ROE) from my employer. During a strike or lockout, can I get my ROE?
Your employer should give you your ROE. If you can’t get it, or there is a delay, don’t wait for your ROE. Apply as soon as possible – a temporary claim can be set up for you. Bring proof that you were working, such as pay stubs, to the EI office when you apply for benefits. If you informed your employer of any scheduled surgery or provided medical certificates for your sick leave, then take copies with you to the EI office.
Q28. EI has a one-week waiting period at the beginning of every claim. Will I have to wait the one week if I was on short-term sick leave before a strike or lockout?
If you were on short-term sick leave before a strike or lockout, EI may waive the one-week waiting period. However, if your sick leave did not begin before the strike or lockout, and if you are approved for EI (because the leave was anticipated), then it is unlikely the one week waiting period will be waived. Ask Service Canada for clarification.
Q29. Can I participate in the strike or lockout while I’m receiving EI sickness benefits or in the two-week waiting period?
You could lose your EI sickness benefits if your involvement in the labour dispute leads EI to think you are well enough to return to work.
Q30. Will the amount of my EI sickness benefits be affected by a strike or lockout?
Possibly. The amount you receive is based on your best 14 to 22 weeks of earnings in the prior 52 weeks. The number of weeks used (14-22) is based on the rate of unemployment in your region. This is determined by EI. If you only worked 14 to 22 weeks in the past year, then the strike could affect the amount you receive from EI. But if you worked for more than 22 weeks in the last year, it’s unlikely to have any effect on the amount you receive.
Strike pay is not considered to be earnings for EI purposes, so it will not be deducted from your EI benefit.
Q31. Am I eligible for EI sickness benefits if I was on modified work (part-time or full-time) before the strike or lockout began?
No.
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
Q32. Does my OHIP coverage stop as a result of a strike or lockout?
No. OHIP is based on living in Ontario, not on being at work. If you had OHIP coverage before a strike or lockout and you keep living in Ontario, your OHIP coverage continues.
Pension Plan
Q33. What happens to my pension during a strike or lockout?
Neither you nor the employer pays into the pension plan during a strike or lockout. However, your membership in the plan continues, and you don’t lose any entitlement you had earned up to the date the strike/lockout began.
Q34. Will I be able to buy back the pension credits I lose during a strike or lockout?
Yes. Please contact OPTrust to request a costing at the conclusion of the strike or lockout. Note that these costings are time sensitive. It is best to apply early (within two years from the last date of the strike or lockout period). OPTrust will need to have your current home address to send this information.
Q35. Will a strike or lockout affect my early retirement dates?
Your early retirement date may be delayed if you don’t buy back the pension credits you lost during a strike or lockout. Consult with OPTrust to see the exact impact the strike has on your earliest retirement date.
Q36. Can I make pension contributions if I’m on pregnancy, parental, or adoption leave? What if I’m getting WSIB benefits during a strike or lockout? Does the employer match my contributions?
Yes, you may elect to make pension contributions during pregnancy, parental, or adoption leave. If you are on WSIB benefits, you can pay into the pension plan for one year after the date of your injury. The employer must match your contributions.
Q37. Can I retire during a strike or lockout?
Yes, but you have to make the arrangements directly with OPTrust. You can contact them at 1200‑1 Adelaide Street East, Toronto ON M5C 3A7. Call 416-681-6175 or (toll-free) 1‑800-637-0024.
Please note that the employer must confirm the date you retire. Therefore, the payment of your pension may be delayed if the employer didn’t notify OPTrust before the strike that you were retiring.
Q38. During a strike or lockout, can I apply to buy back pension credits for service prior to the strike, so as to be within time limits?
Yes. Contact OPTrust directly to arrange a buyback.
Q39. Will a strike or lockout have an impact on my best 60 consecutive months’ salary for pension calculations?
No. These calculations are based on your salary rate, whether or not you’re at work. Pay lost during a strike or lockout will not affect it.
Q40. How would a strike or lockout affect me if I am currently buying back eligible pension service?
If your buyback is being paid by payroll deduction, it will stop during a strike or lockout. You will need to have the deductions recalculated after a strike or lockout to make up any missed payments so that you complete the buyback within the time limits. Once the strike or lockout concludes, contact OPTrust to have the recalculation completed.
Q41. If I die during a strike or lockout, will my survivors get their benefits under the pension plan?
Yes.
Employment Insurance (EI)
Q42. Can I get regular EI if I’m not working because of a strike or lockout?
No. Generally, if you’re unable to work because of a strike or lockout, you can’t get regular EI benefits. However, you may be eligible for EI maternity, parental (includes adoption), sickness, or authorized training benefits.
Pregnancy/Parental/Adoption Leave
Q43. What happens if I’m on maternity, parental, or adoption leave, and a strike or lockout starts? Will my EI benefits continue?
Yes, your EI benefits will continue for the duration of your leave.
Q44. Will I receive EI maternity, parental, or adoption leave benefits if my leave starts during a strike or lockout?
Yes, if you can show you were arranging the leave before the strike or lockout. Write to the employer, stating your intent. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself at home.
Q45. If I participate in the strike or lockout prior to the start of my prearranged maternity, parental, or adoption leave, will I still receive my EI benefits?
Yes, if you can show you were arranging the leave before the strike or lockout. Write to the employer, stating your intent. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself at home.
Q46. Can I participate in a strike or lockout while I’m on maternity, parental, or adoption leave, and still receive my EI benefits?
Yes. However, keep in mind that EI pays these benefits on the assumption that you need the time off to care for your child. Strike pay is not considered to be earnings for EI purposes, so it won’t be deducted from your EI benefit.
Q47. Will the amount of my EI benefits be affected by a strike or lockout?
Possibly. The amount you receive is based on your best 14 to 22 weeks of earnings in the prior 52 weeks. The number of weeks used (14-22) is based on the rate of unemployment in your region. This is determined by EI. If you only worked 14 to 22 weeks in the past year, then the strike could affect the amount you receive from EI. But if you worked for more than 22 weeks in the last year, it’s unlikely to have any effect on the amount you receive.
Q48. To apply for EI maternity, parental, or adoption leave benefits I need my record of employment (ROE) from the employer. If my leave starts during a strike or lockout, can I get my ROE?
Your employer should give you your ROE. If you can’t get it, or if there’s a delay, bring proof that you were working, such as pay stubs, to the EI office when you apply for benefits. Apply as soon as you can. Don’t wait for your ROE. A temporary claim can be set up for you.
Q49. Under the collective agreement, the employer tops up my wages to 93 per cent of my pay for the first two weeks of my maternity, parental, or adoption leave. Will I get this during a strike or lockout?
No. The employer does not have to pay this for any part of the two-week period that falls during a strike or lockout. Please note that Service Canada changed the waiting period to a one-week period as of January 1, 2017.
Q50. Under the collective agreement, the employer tops up my EI maternity, parental, or adoption leave benefits to 93 per cent of my pay for a number of weeks (15 weeks of maternity leave top-up and 10 weeks of paternity leave top-up).If I am on leave and getting EI benefits before a strike or lockout, or go on leave during a strike or lockout, will I get the top-up from the employer?
During a strike or lockout you will not receive the top-up.
Q51. Would the top-up start up again after a strike or lockout?
Yes, as long as you are still getting EI maternity or parental (including adoption) benefits and the top-up provision still exists in the new collective agreement.
Q52. Do I have benefit coverage if I’m on maternity, parental, or adoption leave during a strike or lockout?
Based on our discussions with the employer about benefits, your benefits should be continued in the event of a strike or lockout, and OPSEU will reimburse the employer for all costs.
Q53. What happens if my maternity, parental, or adoption leave ends, and I’m ready to return to work while a strike or lockout is still on?
You are considered on strike or locked out, and you should report for strike duties.
Q54. The collective agreement says I must serve 13 weeks to get leave without pay for maternity, parental, or adoption leave. Will a strike or lockout interrupt my eligibility for these leaves?
A strike or lockout does not interrupt the qualifying period for these leaves. To be eligible, your hire date must be at least 13 weeks before the expected date of birth or start of the parental or adoption leave.
Long-Term Income Protection (LTIP)
Q55. If I’m on LTIP before a strike or lockout, do my LTIP benefits continue?
Yes, because LTIP is not paid directly by the employer.
Q56. If I’m on LTIP when a strike or lockout starts, will I receive other benefits?
Based on our discussions with the employer about benefits, your benefits should be continued in the event of a strike or lockout, and OPSEU will reimburse the employer for all costs.
Q57. If I become ill or injured while on strike or locked out, will I be eligible for LTIP benefits?
No, you won’t have LTIP coverage for an injury or illness that occurs during a strike or lockout.
Q58. Would a strike or lockout interrupt my six-month qualifying period for LTIP?
No, you’re eligible for LTIP benefits if your application is approved. You can qualify for LTIP during a strike or lockout. A stri