Members must report to work but they cannot be forced to do the work of employees off the job
Halifax (26 Oct. 2006) - The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) is urging members to show full respect for other striking union members in the event of a province-wide hospital strike.
Approximately 6,600 members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) are scheduled to walk out Nov. 1 if they are unable to negotiate fair contract settlements. Virtually all hospitals and clinics outside Metro Halifax could be affected.
Joan Jessome, NSGEU president, says her members are legally required to report for duty if the strike takes place but they cannot be forced to perform the duties of workers who are off the job.
In a general information letter to all members, Jessome is urging NSGEU workers to show full respect for fellow health care workers by refusing to do their jobs and by joining them on picket lines during off-work hours. This is the full text of her letter.
| Important information for NSGEU members in the event of CUPE/ CAW health care strike October 25, 2006 Dear NSGEU members: As you know, hospitals throughout the province are currently facing the likelihood of a major health care strike in the coming weeks by members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW). Many NSGEU members, who work in hospitals that will be affected by a potential strike, have contacted us with questions about what to do in the event of a strike, their rights and how to support striking workers. In the event of a strike, we ask our members to follow the NSGEU’s Picket Policy, outlined below: 1. When members of another union are on strike and they picket the workplace of NSGEU members who have a legal contract, these members are required to work; but, they cannot be required to do the work of other employees who are on a legal strike (reference Section 53, subsection (3) (c) of the Trade Union Act). For your convenience, Section 53, subsection (3) (c) states as follows: Prohibited activity of employer (3) No employer and no person acting on behalf of an employer shall 2. If members are asked to do the work of striking employees, they are to contact the Union immediately. (It is expected that in a strike situation, a staff member of the Union will be in contact with NSGEU members/Local Executive of the area). 3. If the members are faced with a picket line which they legitimately believe causes a threat to their physical well-being, they should leave the scene and call their employer and advise the employer of the situation and ask for instructions. If the employer insists upon the employee crossing the picket line, the employee can refuse and advise the employer. In the event of a strike, it is extremely important that all NSGEU members show respect for striking CUPE and/ or CAW members and their picket lines. You are also encouraged to support your fellow health care workers by joining them on the picket line during your off-work hours, if you are able. NSGEU, NSNU, CUPE, CAW and SEIU are working together for better pensions and benefits. CUPE and CAW should not have to fight this battle alone. We need to stick together and claim a victory for all health care workers! Should you have any questions in regards to your rights in the event of a strike, please feel free to contact your Shop Steward or call the NSGEU Labour Resource Centre at 424-4063 or Toll Free at 1-877-556-7438. Sincerely, Joan Jessome, |
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