Below are some frequently asked questions we are hearing from our members about the contract and a possible Alliance of Healthcare Unions Unfair Labor Practice strike:

General ULP Strike information

What is a strike?

A strike is when members vote to withhold their labor and do not report to work. Workers instead report to a picket line. A strike is a powerful tool for members to exercise and is always our last resort. Strikes are most effective when all employees in a struck location refuse to go to work.

What is an unfair labor practice (ULP)?

A ULP is when the company interferes with or discriminates against workers for their union activities. This violates federal labor law. Examples of a ULP include not allowing you to wear buttons, filming or keeping an eye on you at union actions, asking you if you would strike, or otherwise retaliating against you for union activity. 

What is an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike?

A ULP strike is when workers walk off the job and/or do not go to work per their scheduled shift to protest unfair labor practices the company has allegedly committed. 

What is an economic strike?

An economic strike is a work stoppage by workers seeking economic benefits such as wages, hours, or other working conditions. An economic strike happens when the employer, employees and their union are unable to reach a collective bargaining agreement and the most recent proposal on the table is unacceptable to employees. 

How is an economic strike different from an unfair labor practice strike?

Striking to protest unfair labor practices (unlike an economic strike) means that workers can not be permanently replaced. In addition, workers can return to work without a contract being approved.

Would my job be protected while on an unfair labor practice strike?

Employees who strike to protest an unfair labor practice committed by their employer are called unfair labor practice strikers. When the strike ends, unfair labor practice strikers, absent serious misconduct on their part, are entitled to have their jobs back even if employees hired to do their work have to be discharged. (source: https://www.nlrb.gov/strikes) 

What has to happen for us to strike?

These steps must be taken before we can strike:

1. The contract must expire or otherwise not be in effect

2. At least two-thirds of the workers in the bargaining unit who participate in the vote must vote to authorize negotiators to call a strike 

3. The negotiators (union leaders and workers on the bargaining committee) must decide WHEN to strike in order to make it most effective. 

4. Your union must give a 10-day notice to Kaiser with specific information on dates/locations. So you’ll know 10 days ahead of time when and where a strike would occur. 

5. A Union representative notifies workers it is time to walk out on the line.

AGAIN: DO NOT WALK OUT UNTIL YOUR UNION NOTIFIES YOU. If you walk out before that, you could be disciplined and/or fired by your employer.

What is the difference between a strike and a lockout?

A strike is an action initiated by the union while a lockout is an action initiated by the employer.

If we can’t strike, how can we support our union siblings?

You can go to the strike line on your off time – lunches and days off – to show your support. If your union has buttons, stickers, t-shirts, etc. wear them and tell your co-workers that you support the striking workers.

Participation & Solidarity

Do I have to participate in the ULP strike?
A ULP strike is a collective action. Strong, unified participation is critical to demonstrating member solidarity and increasing pressure on Kaiser to do the right thing.

What if I choose not to strike or cross the picket line?
Crossing the picket line undermines our collective power and weakens our ability to win safe staffing, fair wages, and respect. Members who cross the line may face internal union consequences consistent with union policy.

What should I do if I am scheduled to work during the strike?
Members participating in the strike do not report to work. Instead, members should report to their assigned picket line or follow instructions provided by UFCW 770.

What should I do if I have a pre-approved vacation or leave of absence?
You may take your pre-approved time off and Kaiser will pay you for that time. You will not be eligible for strike benefits those days.

Can Kaiser discipline or retaliate against me for striking?
No. Participation in a ULP strike is protected under federal labor law. Kaiser cannot lawfully discipline, terminate, or retaliate against members for engaging in protected strike activity.

Strike Pay & Financial Support

Will members receive a strike benefit?
Yes. Eligible members who meet participation requirements will receive strike benefits in accordance with UFCW 770 policy.

How do I qualify for the strike benefit?
Members must sign in and out at a designated Local 770 picket location and follow all union strike instructions to remain eligible for benefits.

How and when is the strike benefit distributed?
The strike benefit is paid weekly by paper check. Distribution details will be communicated clearly by the union.

How much are strike benefits?
Strike benefit amounts are set by local union executive boards and are intended to help offset lost wages during the strike. 

For UFCW 770 the members strike benefits are: 

• Pharmacy Contract

• $200/day for techs, assistants and other classifications

• $400/day for graduate intern pharmacists

• CLS/MLT

•  $350/day for CLS

• $250/day for MLT

Picketing & Strike Duties

What is the difference between picketing and striking?

Striking is withholding your labor from your employer (meaning not working). Picketing is standing in front of your employer’s facility with a picket sign to let patients and the public know about the strike.

All UFCW Kaiser members covered by the CLS and Pharmacy contracts will be on strike 24/7 starting February 9 at 7am. Picketing will take place from 7 am - 3 pm at selected locations. You can find your location here.

Where do I report for my picket line?

You must report to your assigned UFCW 770 picket line. You can find your location here. If this is a hardship for you, reach out to your union rep to be transferred to another UFCW 770 picket line.

Is picketing required?
Yes. Picketing or completing assigned strike duties is required to demonstrate unity. You must show up to a picket line each day and sign in and out to prove you are on strike to qualify for the strike benefit.

How many hours am I required to picket?
Picket lines will run from 7am - 3pm. A minimum of 6 hours per day is required.

What if I have medical, caregiving, or other limitations?
Members should notify the union in advance. Alternative strike duties may be available when appropriate.

Communication & Member Support

What if I have more questions?

There are many questions members will have throughout this process. Stay in touch with your steward, bargaining team member, or union representative throughout this process. The most important factor in winning a strong contract is our power and our solidarity. Staying informed is critical to staying united.