Strikes

A labor strike is when a union and its members stop working for an employer for an unspecified amount of time. Strikes are often accompanied by picket lines and disruption. Strikers immediately lose their pay and benefits. During a strike, a company may replace some or all strikers, sometimes permanently.

Strikes are costly to communities, our patients and clients, and especially for employees who lose pay. During a strike, you may not be able to care for your patients and be expected by SEIU to walk a picket line. While federal law protects your right to say “no” to striking, SEIU may
punish you anyways with fines for not going on strike.

Some commonly asked questions on strikes:

No, Clinica has the right to accept or reject union proposals, and also has the right to continue operations during a strike.

A union can ask members to strike as soon as it is certified as the bargaining representative of the group – meaning, they will have the right to do this immediately, if the YES votes outweigh the NO votes. Generally, Unions call for a strike if they are not getting their demands met in the course of negotiating a first contract with an employer.

A strike has no set duration.  Some strikes last one day, and some strikes last for over a year. There is no way of predicting how long a strike may last.

In Colorado, striking workers do not qualify for unemployment benefits. Many states have similar laws denying unemployment benefits to striking workers.

Yes, you have the right to cross the picket line. However, SEIU may fine or penalize you for crossing the picket line.