PCL Strike FAQ
#1. When are we going to go on strike?
The earliest date we can go on strike is determined by the Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA). We are currently in the cooling off period of this legally mandated PECBA timeline. That means a potential strike could happen very soon! Members should be prepared to walk off the job by the beginning of February. We will give all members 10-day notice before the strike date and time.
#2. How would the Union call a strike?
Since our members already voted for strike authorization, the decision to go on strike would be made by the PCL bargaining team.
#3. What should I do during a strike?
First, a strike means not going to work. In addition, members should plan on walking the picket line, attending rallies, participating in labor actions, etc. Being on strike isn’t a vacation from work — it’s working together to secure a contract that protects our coworkers and livelihoods.
#4. If Local 483 calls a strike, do I have to go out and walk the picket line?
If our union calls a strike, it will be because the City’s offer fails to meet our members’ needs on wages, safety, and working conditions. We need a strong picket line every day of a strike. We need to continue to put pressure on City decision makers by withholding our essential labor and demanding public attention.
#5. If our union is out on strike, what happens if I cross the picket line?
By crossing the picket line, you would be weakening the strike, hurting your coworkers, and threatening everyone’s chances to get a fair contract. Additionally, anyone who crosses a picket line loses their legally protected rights to strike. You cannot uncross a picket line. By crossing the picket line you are agreeing to the City’s contract.
#6. What's expected of non-members during the strike?
Non-members benefit from our contract and have every right to strike, so we would expect them to join us on the picket line, standing with their colleagues who are members.
#7. Can the City of Portland fire or discipline me for striking?
No! It is illegal to discipline a worker for participating in a strike. In fact, any threats of discipline from management should be reported to the union for potential unfair labor practice claims.
#8. What if I’m in my probationary period?
It is illegal to fire a worker for striking. This includes any probationary employees. While probationary employees are “at will” and not subject to just cause standards for termination, striking is a legally protected act. The City cannot discipline an employee for engaging in this protected speech. The union will vigorously defend anyone from illegal retaliation by the City.
#9. Will the Union help cover my wages while I’m out on strike?
While we lack the funds for direct wage replacement, there are many resources the union will provide for members during a strike. These range from connecting members with community aide partners, providing pay for picketing, and in extreme cases providing direct cash assistance to members in dire need. Picket pay will be $50 for every 6 hour shift for as long as resources allow.
#10.What happens to my health-insurance during a strike?
A: The City has an obligation to maintain the healthcare coverage that members have paid for with their premiums. This means that once premiums are paid at the beginning of the month members will continue to hold their standard health insurance for the remainder of the month.
#11. What if I don't think I can afford to go on strike?
This concern is understood. We would first encourage you to reach out to our Hardship Committee so that we can do everything in our power to help you meet any challenges created by a strike. We would also ask you to weigh the cost of a strike to you personally vs. the cost to you for three years’ worth of a contract that doesn’t keep up with the high cost of living in Portland. The long-term financial gains of a good contract would greatly outweigh any wages lost during an effective strike. If you feel you can’t afford to go on strike, it may be that you can’t afford not to!
#12. Can I use vacation or sick accruals to cover my pay while I’m on strike?
No — accruals cannot be used while an employee is on strike.
#13. What if I have vacation pre-approved and we end up going on strike during that time? Can I still take my vacation?
Probably not. The City would most likely declare an emergency and cancel vacations. Our union would grieve this, but by the time the grievance process ran its course, the strike would likely be over.
#14. Do strikes work?
Absolutely. From the Flint auto workers’ sit-down strike, to the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, to the waves of teachers’ strikes over the last couple of years, to the 2021 John Deere strike, work stoppages absolutely work and have shaped working conditions and community standards for working people all across the country.
#15. Can my manager ask me if I plan to strike?
They can ask, but you aren’t required to answer.
#16. What if I’m scheduled to be at work when the strike starts?
You should show up at your scheduled start time. At the time the strike starts, leave your work where it is, walk off the job with your union family, and join the closest picket line. If your specific work group reports during the start of the strike, Union support will reach out to you with more specific directions.
#17. Do I need to notify my supervisor that I’m going on strike?
No. Our union will give the City proper notice of a strike. You will not be written up for walking out nor disciplined for not showing up when the strike begins.
#18. Can the mayor force essential employees to cross a picket line?
No! As a strike enabled bargaining unit, everyone working under PCL is entitled to their right to strike. The union has consulted attorneys on this question that have cited settled case law on the matter. Essential employees on strike enabled bargaining units are legally entitled to strike.
#19. Can I work another job while I’m on strike?
Yes. Working a temporary job elsewhere is a great way to support yourself during a strike. Even if you wouldn’t have the capacity to picket as much as others would, you are still on strike with your union family!
#20. What about paychecks?
On your regular payday, you should receive your pay from the days you worked before the strike. However, you will not be paid by the City for time you are out on strike.
#21. Can we still use FMLA/OFLA while on strike?
Yes. Family Medical Leave and Oregon Family Leave is protected leave that you are still able to use while on strike.
#22.When and how will the strike end?
We cannot guarantee when a strike would end. However, we do know how it would end: by our bargaining team accepting a tentative agreement and putting together a return-to-work agreement. Our union would notify membership when the strike ends and hold a vote on the Tentative Agreement. If we reach a settlement before going on strike, the ratification vote will ask members to either (a) ratify the contract or (b) give the employer a 10-day notice to strike.