Negotiations > Negotiations

FAQ- February 14, 2011

Frequently-asked questions about the CUPE Local 500 membership meetings and strike vote process.

The Local 500 negotiating committee has received many questions from members about the membership meetings/voting process. To help clarify these questions, we've prepared a list of frequently-asked questions and answers. As additional questions are raised, we'll add them to this page.

Q: What does a strike vote mean?

A: A strike vote gives the Union’s negotiating committee permission to take job action if necessary. This is also known as a mandate. This is a tool we need right now to help us get a fair and reasonable settlement. It shows the employer that you support your negotiating team and the proposals we’ve tabled in this round of bargaining. This is a standard part of the process. The first thing we will do once we have the strike mandate is tell the City we want to get back to the bargaining table and conclude an agreement. If that doesn’t work, we may need to set a strike deadline. If this strike deadline is reached without an acceptable negotiated settlement, you will be notified of strike action which will support our demands. It is important to note that going on strike will be a last resort. We have already accessed the conciliation process to help us get a settlement and we will take steps to ensure that you are the first to know once talks have resumed.

Q: What happens if the members don’t vote to strike?

A: This means that the two parties have reached a collective agreement.

Q: What is a Strike?

A: Legal strike action is a right of unionized workers to withdraw services or refuse to work with the aim of demonstrating the collective concerns and resolve of the bargaining unit. A strike is not an end in itself, but rather a means to obtaining a fair and equitable collective agreement. Legal strike action does not happen overnight and it is not a decision that is taken lightly.

Q: What is a Lock‐Out?

A: A lock‐out occurs when the employer denies access to the workplace in order to exert pressure on the union and its members to settle on the employer's terms.

Q: What if I can’t make the membership meeting?

A: We will have information packages available at the voting and will have people there to review it with you and answer your questions. Also, packages will be available after 12:00 noon on February 17 and can be picked up at the Local 500 office, 702 - 275 Broadway. Also, if there are people from your workplace attending the meeting, they can take extra information packages back to the workplace with them.

Q: What if I can’t make the vote? Can I mail in my ballot? Can someone else vote for me?

A: We try to allow as much time as possible for people to vote during the day. However, we do not have provisions in our by-laws and constitution which allows a mail-in ballot or a proxy vote.

Q: How can I stay informed and get involved?

A: The best way to stay informed is by reading all Local 500 email updates, Bargaining Bulletins and by visiting the website at www.cupe500.mb.ca. If you haven’t signed up for email updates, you can register through the website or contact the Local 500 office at 942-1001.

Q: Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

A: Call CUPE Local 500 at 204-942-1001 or email: union@cupe500.mb.ca

Please contact us with any questions you may have about the bargaining process, and thanks for your ongoing support.