Strikes
A labor strike is when unionized employees stop working for an employer for an unspecified amount of time. Strikes are often accompanied by picket lines and disruption. Strikers immediately lose their pay and benefits. During a strike, a company may replace some or all strikers, sometimes permanently, depending on the reason for the strike.
Strikes are costly to communities, our patients, and especially for employees who lose pay. During a strike, you may not be able to come to the hospital and may be expected by NUHW to walk a picket line. While federal law protects your right to say “no” to striking, NUHW may punish you anyways with fines for not going on strike.
Some commonly asked questions on strikes:
If NUHW calls a strike during bargaining, would SBHH have to agree to its proposals?
No, SBHH has the right to accept or reject union proposals, and also has the right to continue operations during a strike.
When might NUHW call a strike?
Unions can generally call labor strikes if they are not getting their demands met in the course of negotiating a first contract with an employer. A strike is the strongest leverage a union can use to push an employer to agree to its proposals at the bargaining table. A union can ask employees to strike as soon as it is certified as the bargaining representative of the group.
How long do strikes last?
A strike has no set duration. Some strikes last one day, and some strikes last for over a year. There is no way of predicting how long a strike may last. Every situation is different.
If NUHW calls a strike, will I still receive my pay and benefits?
While on strike, you do not get paid by your employer. And you are responsible for paying the whole monthly premium to keep your health insurance going. You would be entitled to COBRA benefits, but you have to pay the entire insurance premium without SBHH’s contribution. Insurance coverage through COBRA is expensive. In California, striking workers are currently ineligible for employment benefits.
If NUHW calls a strike, can I continue to work?
Yes, you have the right to cross the picket line and continue to work. However, NUHW may fine or penalize you for crossing the picket line.
When was the last time NUHW called a strike?
So far in 2024, NUHW has called 4 strikes that affected 3,117 employee-members of the union.
