CUPE 1393: Strike Deadline 12:01 am September 8, 2013
Faculty and Staff: Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Windsor will remain open and classes will continue during a CUPE 1393 work stoppage that will begin at 12:01 AM on Sunday, September 8. The University and CUPE 1393 were unable to come to an agreement before the strike deadline. CUPE 1393 represents 281 technical, trades and professional staff at the University of Windsor.
Any disruption to the campus immediately impacts students, as well as faculty, staff, and the community so the university will be doing everything it can to minimize the disruption.
Please review the following frequently asked questions and if you have a concern that is not addressed here, use the “Ask a Question” function on this site to receive an answer. This page will be continually updated with any new information that becomes available and popular questions that are received.
Are picket lines legal?
CUPE 1393 has the right to form a picket line during a legal strike as long as it is not on University property. It is likely that pickets would be located at the entrances to the campus and at parking lots. Picketers may communicate information to try to dissuade you from crossing the picket line. Remember you have the legal right to come to work. Picket lines must keep moving and allow free passage of non-striking individuals, in and out. There will, however, likely be some delays so be sure to plan your time accordingly. It is illegal for pickets to use threats, force, or to physically block the way.
Are staff members expected to come to work during a work stoppage?
Yes, employees who do not belong to the striking unit have the responsibility and the right to attend work. University operations continue and employees will be paid only upon attendance in accordance with collective agreements and University policy.
Will staff continue to be paid during a work stoppage?
Employees who come to work will continue to be paid during the strike. All efforts will be made to continue payroll on scheduled dates.
How will the University ensure that all employees required to work attend as scheduled?
The University expects all employees to meet their employment obligations. You supervisor will monitor attendance within your unit and report any absences to Human Resources.
Will a leave of absence/vacation be permitted for employees who are not members of CUPE 1393 during a strike?
In general, no changes will be made with respect to scheduling or a leave of absence/vacation for employees who are not members of the striking unit. Though, in certain departments it may not be possible to meet requests for leave of absence/vacation during a work stoppage.
Will sick leave for employees who are not members of the striking unit be permitted during a strike?
Medical certificates that satisfy the employer may be required to substantiate illness or injury. All questions regarding sick leave should be referred to Human Resources.
If I am a member of the striking unit, will I be paid for pre-approved vacation that falls after the strike begins?
Yes, any pre-approved vacation time will be granted vacation pay should it fall after September 8. Your supervisor will need to advise HR about your vacation schedule.
Are students who work on campus expected to cross the picket line?
Yes. Students are encouraged to check with their individual supervisors regarding working hours as there may be limited service in areas where students are employed.
Can I recognize a strike by another union?
Those employees who choose to recognize the picket line and do not attend work, will not be paid and are required to report their absence to their supervisor.
Faculty members may recognize a strike by another bargaining unit provided they do so in a manner in keeping with Article 51:02 and 51:03 of the WUFA Collective Agreement.
In those circumstances, please note that;
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It is the responsibility of the member to inform his/her Head (where available) and the Dean, or the Associate Librarian, as appropriate, of the workload assignments that will not be performed and the amount of time that will be lost by the member during the strike.
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The time lost during the strike shall be without pay based on a pro-ration of the member's Normal Salary.
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Should the member desire to make up such lost time, a plan which outlines how the work is to be made up may be submitted to his/her Head, or Associate Librarian, as appropriate, with a copy to the Dean or University Librarian, as appropriate.
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Once a plan, approved by the Dean or University Librarian, as appropriate, has been implemented the member’s lost pay shall be restored and paid.
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The member shall have the option to return to work at any time during the strike. It will be the responsibility of the member to notify the Head (where available) and the Dean, or Associate Librarian, as appropriate, if and when he/she returns to work and at this time, normal pay shall resume.
As a faculty member, can I move my classes off campus during a strike?
No. The location of university courses cannot be moved off campus during a work stoppage.
What happens if a student refuses to cross a picket line to attend class?
In the event of a CUPE 1393 strike, the University will remain open and classes will still be scheduled. Should students choose not to attend, they will need to work out what the consequences of those actions will be with each instructor.
What message should I put on my phone or on our departmental website if there is a work stoppage?
The University of Windsor’s website and phone greeting has an international presence, so we need to be sensitive to the connotation of the word “strike” in other countries.
Voice mail greetings, out of office email replies and website notifications should reflect this message in addition to specific instructions related to your area:
“The University of Windsor is open and classes are scheduled during a work stoppage by CUPE 1393, an employee union group representing technicians and skilled trades. The work stoppage has limited some of the services available on campus, please check www.uwindsor.ca/bargainingunits for more details. The University is working with this union group to resolve this matter as soon as possible. Your patience is appreciated during this time.”
Campus Services:
Will campus parking lots be open?
All staff parking lots will be open, but users may experience delays due to picketing. Please check the parking website for further details: http://www.uwindsor.ca/parking/. Give yourself plenty of extra time to find parking and arrive to work on schedule during this period.
Employees and students should be aware that they have the legal right to continue to come to campus for the purposes of work. Picket lines must keep moving and allow free passage of non-striking individuals. It is illegal for pickets to use threats, force, or to physically block the way. Please report any incidence of illegal behaviour immediately to the Dispatch Desk at Campus Community Police at 519-253-3000, ext. 1234.
Will parking be enforced across campus?
The parking office will operate as usual. Parking enforcement officers will be patrolling the lots and issuing parking tickets as required.
Who do I call in an emergency?
The Dispatch Desk at Campus Community Police can take your call: 519-253-3000, ext. 1234.
Are the safety measures on campus still in operation?
Yes, Campus Community Police is not part of the work stoppage. All of the automatic systems such as UWindsor Alert, surveillance cameras and electronic locks are all still in operation.
Will there be mail services on campus?
Intra-university mail will be available, however there will not be any service from Canada Post or courier services.
Will there be food services available?
Yes, food services across campus will operate as usual. Any changes will be posted on this website: www.uwindsor.ca/food.
Will IT services be available?
Yes, IT services will continue to maintain operations but all new projects and development activities will be temporarily suspended. The HelpDesk will operate reduced hours of service and the users may experience delay in response time. More information to come.
Will computing labs and services be affected by a strike?
Campus computing labs will continue to remain open. The University Computer Centre will close for the duration of the strike.
Will the Library be open?
Both the Leddy Library and the Paul Martin Law Library will remain open for patrons.
Will Document Imagining be available?
Yes, Document Imagining will be operating with their normal hours.
Will the Bookstore remain open?
Yes, the bookstore will be operating with their normal hours. Any changes will be posted on this website: www.uwindsor.ca/bookstore.
How will the services at the St. Denis Centre be effected?
The Forge Fitness Centre will close. The St. Denis Centre pool will close for the duration of the strike. The programs offered by Campus Recreation will be cancelled for the duration of the strike, which includes all intramurals, fitness and instructional programming. Exclusive of the Forge and the pool, every effort will be main to maintain the regular operating hours of the St. Denis Centre. For more information visit www.golancers.ca.
Will transportation services be available?
Yes, transportation services will be available, including deliveries and transportation for those with disabilities.
Will I be able to get a replacement Uwin Card?
Yes, the UwinCard office will remain open.
Will public events and ceremonies continue during a strike?
Any planned public events will be reviewed individually. Groups and individuals will be contacted if any changes occur.
Student-Specific Services:
Will students in residence be affected?
Residence and dining services will operate as usual. Any changes will be posted on these websites: www.uwindsor.ca/food and www.uwindsor.ca/residence
Will custodial services in residence be affected?
Our expectation is that custodians will carry out their regular duties.
Will Student Health Services and the Student Counseling Centre open?
Yes, Student Health Services and the Student Counseling Centre will remain open.
Will the Centre for English Language Development be open?
Yes, the Centre for English Language Development will remain open. Please visit their website for detailed information. http://www1.uwindsor.ca/celd/
The following student services may experience limited hours of operation or will offer a reduced number of services. Please check their individual websites for further details:
Will the Student Advising Centre be open?
No, this centre will close for the duration of the strike.
Will the Aboriginal Education Centre be open?
No, this centre will close for the duration of the strike.
Will UWSA, OPUS and GSS services be affected by a strike?
Please contact the appropriate student government office for further information.
GSS http://www.gss.uwindsor.ca/index.php
OPUS http://www.uwindsor.ca/opus
UWSA http://uwsa.ca/
