About 95 per cent of contract negotiations are settled without a strike. But when weve exhausted all other ways to resolve our differences with the employer, the collective bargaining process makes it legal for us to strike. Its a fundamental right just like freedom of speech or freedom of the press.
CUPE does everything in its power to help a local avert a strike. The decision to strike is in your hands. Thats because local autonomy is an important principle at CUPE. If you have to strike, CUPE puts all of its power behind you.
CUPE members are eligible for strike pay from the National Defence Fund and may receive supplemental strike pay from their local or provincial division. Striking members are eligible to receive $200 per week from the 10th day of a strike from the National Defence Fund. As well, the National union covers their benefits for the duration of the strike.