Strike Q & A

Question: Do I have to inform my supervisor in advance that I will be striking? Do I have to call in to my supervisor during the strike?
Answer: No. You don't need to notify your supervisor at all; although if you want to call in, you can.

Question: Can I arrange to have vacation time in advance?
Answer: In order to make our point that it is a strike, it is better not to arrange for vacation leave. Most likely, you won’t be paid for the days you are on strike.

Question: Can I call in sick?
Answer: Sick outs are not legal strikes. This will be an unfair labor practice strike, which has protections under the law (see "Know Your Rights about Union Activity") while a sick out does not. If you are sick on the day of the strike, your department’s general rules about verification should apply.

Question: Can time-off for a strike be covered by comp time?
Answer: Most likely no, although it will depend on the department. You are not entitled to be paid for the days that you are on strike.

Question: Do I have to record the time off on my leave report, and which type of leave do I report?
Answer: This will be considered "leave without pay."

Question: Is this considered a break in service?
Answer: No. You will not be paid during the strike, but you will remain on "pay status." However, if you are a part-time employee, and your time falls below 50% you could lose some service credit, and may not accrue vacation and sick leave for that month. Contact CUE for your options in this case.

Question: Is CUE planning to have a hardship fund for those who may lose a day's pay and can't afford it?
Answer: Yes, some limited assistance will be available: $60/day for members working 50-100% and who spend 4 hours on the picket line that day and complete a request form provided there; $30/day for those working at UC less than 50% and meeting the same qualifications.

Question: Must I come to campus and join the picket line?
Answer: You are not required to, but if we want the strike to have maximum impact a bigger picket line is much better. Also strike benefits will be offered only to workers who walk the picket line.

Question: Will other unions honor our picket lines? What are we asking people not represented by CUE?
Answer: It depends on the union. Some unions may be barred by their own labor agreements with the University from "sympathy striking". We are asking those unions to support our strike in any way they can. Other unions will be able to honor our picket lines. Students and others can sign a solidarity pledge, join us on the picket line, and participate in our rallies.

Question: Can I bring friends/family along?
Answer: Sure, friends and families are welcome to join the picket line.

Coalition of University Employees, 5005 LaMart, Suite 100B, #6, Riverside, CA 92507
909-788-2558 rivcue@earthlink.net