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NSUPE STRIKE SUPPORT NSUPE STRIKE SUPPORT NSUPE STRIKE SUPPORT
NSUPE strike support differs from financial support provided by many unions during a strike. NSUPE’s support is designed to put resources where they are most needed and to best protect the members. Since 1999, NSUPE strike support has taken the following form:
- 1. THE HONOUR SYSTEM: If you do not need support or if you do not need the full amount, NSUPE asks you not to take it. That leaves more for those who are in need. Some members may be able to pick up work while on strike and can reduce the amount of support they will need. Others have the support of spouses or other family and may not need full support
- 2. GROUP BENEFITS: Where the employer will agree, NSUPE pays to keep things like your medical and dental plans in place. This costs the member nothing and is not repayable.
- 3. HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES: NSUPE provides grocery vouchers so members can buy their groceries, household cleaning supplies, baby supplies, etc. The amount depends on the size of the member’s family and any special needs. For example: babies often cost more than eight year olds because of diapers and other special needs; special diets often are more expensive; teenagers usually eat more than adults; and so on. The amount provided is not repayable.
- 4. TRAVEL EXPENSES: If a member needs to travel to the picket line, for grocery shopping or for medical appointments, NSUPE will provide gas vouchers or, where public transit is available, bus tickets. The cost of this is not repayable.
- 5. SCHOOL SUPPLIES: If children need school supplies, NSUPE will provide some support in this area. This cost is not repayable.
- 6. INTEREST FREE LOANS: Members on strike still have to pay the rent or the mortgage, the bank loan, the credit card (minimum payment due), the oil company, the power company, and so on. NSUPE will provide repayable, interest free loans to members in such cases.
- 7. STRIKE WORK: Members receiving NSUPE strike support will be asked to participate in the strike unless they have been excused (because of illness, getting other work, etc.). Some members will be able to participate more than others, some will be on the picket line while others may provide background support (child care, preparing food, telephone tree, etc.).
- 8. INDIRECT SUPPORT: Landlords and banks, if requested, will sometimes agree to delay payment by a month or two. NSUPE can help by providing a letter advising that the member is on strike and is expected to return to work following the strike. Some insurance premiums are waived in the event of a strike (e.g. AIL insurance) so members should always examine their policies carefully and NSUPE can provide advice.
- NSUPE encourages members to make every possible attempt to put away some savings for themselves. These come in handy, not just in time of strike, but also for those unforeseen emergencies. The more financially secure you are, the more you will be able to withstand some time without a pay cheque.
NSUPE will work with the Local to make every possible effort to negotiate a collective agreement that is acceptable to members. It is however, the members who will decide whether to accept an employer offer, whether to strike and whether to end a strike. NSUPE collective agreements are among the best in the country and in the vast majority of cases they have been achieved without a strike.
NSUPE STRIKE SUPPORT NSUPE STRIKE SUPPORT NSUPE STRIKE SUPPORT
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