Guidance for Members in the event of a CUPE strike
We know there can be confusion out in the field, often exacerbated by the media, as to the differing status of the unions in the bargaining process.
OSSTF/FEESO represents both Education Workers and Teachers and Occasional Teachers under the School Board Collective Bargaining Act. OSSTF/FEESO has two separate central tables, one for Education Workers and one for Teachers and Occasional Teachers. Both of these tables have met to set central and local table items, as well as started the process of exchanging bargaining positions and working towards a new collective agreement. OSSTF/FEESO has not, at this time, requested a conciliator, nor a “no board report” and therefore OSSTF/FEESO is not in a legal strike position.
This means that OSSTF/FEESO members cannot, at this time, engage in legal strike action. It is important that members understand that while they can support members of other unions should they engage in strike action, OSSTF/FEESO members are not currently in a legal strike position and thus have a responsibility to go to work and continue to do their own job. If worksites remain open during a strike, OSSTF/FEESO members should not be asked or engaged in doing the job of a striking member of a different union. For example, an OSSTF/FEESO educational assistant should not be cleaning floors, where that is the job of a member of another union on strike.
Attached to this email is a page of instructions for members to help guide them should there be a strike by another union at their worksite.
As always, please reach out if you have questions or concerns.
Cheryl