What You Need to Know in the Event of a Strike

FOR EMPLOYEES WHO ARE NOT IN THE BARGAINING UNIT THAT'S ON STRIKE

a) Do I have to come to work?

Yes. Employees in other bargaining units and non-bargaining unit staff are required to attend work as scheduled during a strike. 

Faculty members are governed by the “Rights and Responsibilities of Faculty During Work Stoppages by Other Groups at McMaster University” See: http://www.mcmaster.ca/policy/faculty/Conduct/RightsAndResponsibilitiesDuringWorkStoppages.pdf

Librarians are governed by the "Rights and Responsibilities of Librarians During Work Stoppages by Other Groups at McMaster University"  See: http://www.mcmaster.ca/mufa/handbook/workstoplib.html

CUPE Local 3906 also represents Sessional Lecturers (Unit 2) and Postdoctoral Fellows (Unit 3).  These employees are covered by separate collective agreements which are currently in effect. Accordingly, in the event of a TA strike, they will be expected to continue to fulfill the duties of their contract.

b) What if I have previously obtained approval for vacation, leave of absence, etc.?

Subject to operational requirements, the University will honour previously booked vacation time, personal leave and leaves of absence.  However, in the event of a strike new requests for time off will be governed by operating requirements and consistent with the terms of existing collective agreements or University policies.  Employees who call in sick may be requested to provide a medical certificate.

c) What happens if I want to cross a picket line but am physically prevented from doing so, significantly delayed, or feel threatened?

Call your supervisor as soon as possible to report your delay and contact Security Services for assistance at 905-522-4135.

Remain respectful to picketers and do not engage in any confrontation.

d) Will I be permitted to work from home?

No, unless your normal working arrangements already include working from home; those specific arrangements will be maintained at the discretion of your supervisor based on operational requirements.                            

e) What if I am on a Return-to-Work Plan or modified duties under an Accommodation Plan?

Return-to-Work and Accommodation arrangements will remain in place.