STRIKE VOTE
10/18 | 10/21 | 10/22 | 10/23
The CSU/PTRLA bargaining team has been attempting to negotiate a successor agreement in good faith with the City for nearly seven months. But City management is not interested in a fair contract. The City has repeatedly rejected important proposals and offered cost of living adjustments that do not keep up with inflation. The City thinks that you only deserve 9% over three years when you are nearly 40% behind inflation since 2012. The City is also denying equal dental benefits with other city workers–why are our teeth worth less? Several other proposals, like one to help workers who have just become parents not fall behind on step increases, have also been flat out rejected. Workers like you keep City services running for the community. You deserve a contract that keeps up with rising costs, not one leaving us continually falling behind and shortchanged by City management year after year.
You and your coworkers consistently listed healthcare, cost of living adjustments, and basic respect as redlines you would strike over. Your bargaining team along with a group of dedicated organizers have confirmed these strike-worthy priorities with 1-1 conversations and strike assessments.
It is the unanimous recommendation of the bargaining team that the chapter conduct a strike authorization vote to provide the leverage necessary to secure a fair contract. A strike authorization vote, if successful, would give the bargaining team the option to call a strike in coming weeks if the City does not negotiate in good faith and provide a fair contract that retains workers and provides adequate services for the community.
The SEIU 1021 CSU/PTRLA strike authorization vote begins on Friday, 10/18 and ends on Wednesday, 10/23. Voting will take place in person at the following locations:
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10/18 | 11a-1p | 2180 Milvia St. (outside adjacent to front entrance) |
| 10/21 | 11a-1p | 2180 Milvia St. (outside adjacent to front entrance) |
| 10/21 | 4p-6p | Berkeley Public Library – West Branch 1125 University Ave. (outside adjacent to front entrance) |
| 10/22 | 11a-1p | 2180 Milvia St. (outside adjacent to front entrance) |
| 10/22 | 4p-7p | Berkeley Public Library – West Branch 1125 University Ave. (outside adjacent to front entrance) |
| 10/23 | 11a-1p | 2180 Milvia St. (outside adjacent to front entrance) |
| 10/23 | 4-7p | Berkeley Public Library – Tarea Hall Pitman South Branch 1901 Russell St. (outside adjacent to front entrance) |
FAQs:
Q: What is a strike authorization vote?
A: A strike authorization vote is a yes/no vote to give the bargaining team the authority to call a strike if they feel it is necessary to create movement at the bargaining table.
Q: Why are we taking a strike authorization vote?
A: City management has delayed our contract for over five months. They refuse to bargain transparently, want workers to take cost of living adjustments that do not keep up with record inflation, and reject proposals with no reasonable counter offers. The City has also had unfair labor practice charges levied against it for trying to stop you and your coworkers from organizing, leaving workers no choice but to strike or to accept a contract that will hurt workers and their families for years to come.
Q: Who can vote?
A: You must be a member to vote. If you are not a member, you can stop by a polling place to ask about membership and someone will be on hand who can help answer any questions you may have. You can sign a membership card and vote that day if you want!
Q: Do I have to vote in person?
A: Yes. You must vote in person at one of the times/locations listed above.
Q: If the strike authorization vote passes, when would we go on strike?
A: We would not immediately go on strike. The bargaining team would need to feel that a strike is necessary to create movement at the bargaining table and that a strike is winnable.
Q: Who can strike?
A: Nobody is forced to strike, but workers who cross the picket line undermine themselves and their co-workers, and we need everyone to participate to be effective.
We can’t afford NOT to strike with an unfair contract!
Q: What happens if we go on strike?
A: All bargaining unit members would show up each day to a picket location. Your job is only protected under the strike if you show up to the picket line.
Q: What is my status during a strike?
A: You are considered an employee during the time you are on strike, but you receive no pay from your employer while on strike.
Q: Is a strike paid?
A: No. SEIU does not have a strike fund to cover members’ lost wages. SEIU 1021 does have limited hardship funds that are not intended to be a substitute for wages but rather a tool to support a limited number of financially disadvantaged members who participate in a strike action. We suggest starting to put money aside for a potential strike now.
Q: What happens to my healthcare if we strike?
A: AB 237 prohibits public employers from discontinuing employer contributions for health care or other medical coverage for employees who, during the duration of an authorized strike, fall below the minimum hours worked to qualify for employee health coverage. Employers must maintain and pay for coverage and collect and remit employees’ contributions to coverage.
Q: What if I am scheduled to work from home when we strike?
A: Working from home during a strike means you have crossed a picket line. Do not cross a picket line. If you are participating in the strike, you are expected to report in person at a designated picket line regardless of whether you work from home.
What are YOU willing to do to win the best contract possible? If you want to help plan organizing and have one-on-one organizing conversations with your co-workers, sign up here.
In solidarity,
The CSU/PTRLA Bargaining Team