Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.
CUPE members are eligible for strike pay from the National Strike Fund and may receive supplemental strike pay from their local or provincial division.

What am I supposed to do during a strike?

During a strike you would normally be expected to stop all normal work duties and instead participate in the strike. Strike duties include a minimum number of hours set out by your local. However, you may be encouraged to volunteer for additional hours in order to wage a successful strike. More bodies and longer pickets mean a shorter strike.

What happens to my regular pay?

You will not be paid by your employer while you are on strike. If your strike lasts more than ten days, you will be eligible for strike pay from the CUPE National Strike Fund.

When do I get paid?

CUPE members are entitled to strike pay from the National Strike Fund starting on the 10th day of a strike (counting weekends and holidays).

The same applies if you are:
  • on a rotating strike (counting only the strike days, not regular work days)
  • locked out
  • honouring the picket line of another CUPE local or trade union on a shared work site


Depending on where you work, you may also be eligible for strike pay from your CUPE division or local.

If the strike continues for more than 10 days you will receive an additional $80 once the strike is settled to help you out until your employer starts paying you again.

How much do I get paid?

$40 daily, to a maximum of $200 weekly (counting weekends and holidays). Strike pay is tax-free.

For example:

A 9-day strike pays $0.00 from the National Strike Fund because you start getting paid on the 10th day

An 11-day strike pays $80.00 because you get paid $40.00 a day, starting and including the 10th and 11th days of the strike

A 14-day strike pays $200.00 because you get paid $40.00 a day times 5 days, starting with and including the 10th day

A 16-day strike also pays $200.00 because you get paid $40.00 a day times 7 days but with a $200.00-a-week maximum, starting the 10th day

How do I get paid?

You must apply for strike pay by registering your picket duty hours and/or other duties in the Picket Captains Daily Report (National Strike Fund Form F). If you do not work and/or register this work, CUPE will dock one days benefit for each day youre absent without good reason.

Am I eligible to get paid?

As long as you are a member who is not:
  • unemployed or on layoff unrelated to the strike before the strike begins
  • drawing sick, accidental and/or workers compensation benefits (strike pay will resume should you stop receiving those benefits)
  • owing fees, dues, fines, assessments or any other debt to the local if you wait until just before a strike to pay any of these it will cost you one weeks strike pay
  • employed in any way that stops you from performing your strike duties
  • failing to perform assigned strike duties


What about my medical and life insurance payments?

If your premiums are not prepaid and you are a member in good standing, CUPE will pay your group life and group medical insurance premiums during the entire strike.

If your employer refuses to pay their share of your group insurance and endangers any health or medical coverage, CUPE will cover the difference.