Question:
unison strike? anyone with union knowledge? i work in a massive?
2008-07-01 07:24:18 UTC
organisation and a lot of its workers will be striking in July. The people at the top ie bosses etc (who are not in unison and are of course not on strike) have been coming round making lists of those workers who will be on strike. My question is -is this ok for them to do this? especially so far in advance of the strike?
i really dont know so can anyone help please
thankyou
Six answers:
Penny
2008-07-01 07:42:18 UTC
It depends.



FOR EXAMPLE, in a hospital, an employer may have the right to ascertain whether or not its nurses will be going on strike due to staffing issues. However, they have to tell the nurse why they want this information, they have to make clear that the nurse need not answer, and that the nurse will not be retaliated against. The question must also ocurr free from employer hostility and must not be coercive. So long as this notice is given, the employer MAY be able to legally ask, at least in a hospital setting, whether an employee intends on participating in a strike.



However, if the employer is simply asking you about your intended union activities, then it could be a violation of Section 8 (a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act. This section prohibits employers from interrogating employees about their union and/or protected concerted activities.



I would advise you to contact an Information Officer with the National Labor Relations Board asap and discuss your case in detail so that they can competently address your question. You have 6 months from the time that the incident occurs from which to file a charge (otherwise it will be barred by the statute of limitations).

The NLRB is the agency charged with investigating these types of issues. There is an office in every state. Go to www.nlrb.gov for the number to your local office. You can also go to that local office M-F from 8:30 to 5:00 and they will see you within minutes. They always have an Information Officer to attend the public.



Good Luck
CaptainTrips
2008-07-01 07:33:56 UTC
Yes they are within their rights.



Although the union members have a right to withdraw their labour, the bosses still have an organisation to run.



They can't plan for the strike period if they don't know how much impact they are likely to feel. It would be irresponsible of them not to try and plan ways to minimise the impact for their customers. That's exactly why the strike legislation requires unions to give a notice period.



They can't harass you, and if they are smart they won't try. But if you think they are being intimidating you should contact your union and let them know.
2008-07-01 07:33:18 UTC
they have the right to ask but you do have the right not to answer also. they cant legally touch you for not saying. but i work in a government office too and its just easier to let them know.

but its frustrating as this is the reason our strikes never make an impact. they are able to plan in advance so it effects business as little as possible. strikes should be done as a surprise. so then when they realise they cant function without us they would possibly value us more. and then our striking would be worth more than a day off and a deduction from our wages.

i have now succumed to the fact that striking makes no difference in my job and i get to pay for a day off...
Lesley
2008-07-01 07:30:46 UTC
They need to know so they can make plans - organising cover, informing fire depts, canteen food, payroll stoppages... strikes are very disruptive, not just a jolly day off. And I'm a manager, I earn crap - less than those working shifts, I also got a shite 2.2% pay increase last year, so go for it Unison - get me my increase!
sensible_man
2008-07-01 07:30:14 UTC
Check with your union rep. The company should already know who is a union member and who is not.
2008-07-01 07:28:32 UTC
Yes, they need to know which staff will be in work so they can plan appropriately.


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