Your local is organizing a strike vote, which will start on Friday, February 3rd. Please see below for more details, including how to help out, and where to vote
What time will the voting booths open and close?
Friday, February 3
Advance voting takes place 10:00 am – 4:00 pm in the CUPE 4600 office – 2211 Dunton Tower.
Monday, February 6 – Wednesday, February 8
All general voting booths will be open 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Some may stay open as late as 9:00 pm. We are currently confirming bookings for the later voting booths, and will let the Membership know once those locations are fully confirmed.
Thursday, February 9
All general voting booths open 9:00 – 12:00 pm (noon)
Where will the voting booths be located?
Advance voting takes place in the CUPE 4600 office in 2211 Dunton Tower.
The general voting booths will be set up in three locations:
- University Centre Atrium (4th floor)
- Loeb Building Lobby (tunnel level)
- Nicol Building Lobby (ground level)
Accessibility note: If you cannot make it to campus to cast your vote, please email mobcor@cupe4600.ca to have arrangements made
What do I need in order to vote?
Please bring a piece of ID and your student/employee number with you to vote. A volunteer will check to make sure you are on the eligibility list before giving you your ballot to ensure no one votes twice, and to prevent non-members from voting.
Where can I find more info about the bargaining process?
You can check out CUPE National’s bargaining FAQ
We’ll send out Unit specific information in the coming days, but be sure to read the bargaining updates we’ve sent over the past few months.
Can I help?
Yes! We still need volunteers to work the voting booths ($20/hr).
We also need volunteers who would be willing to go put up some posters advertising the vote.
Please fill out this form if you would like to help out.
Vote “YES” in the Strike Vote!
Tell your colleagues to vote “YES” in the Strike Vote!
What is a strike vote?
A strike vote is a necessary legal step in the collective bargaining process. The strike vote can happen any time after the Collective Agreement expires, but must happen before a legal strike.
The Executive Board decides if and when to call a strike vote. The vote is conducted by secret ballot. A legal strike may only occur if a majority of the votes cast are in favour of strike action.
A strike vote gives you a say in the process and allows you to show support for your elected Bargaining Teams in their fight to get a fair deal at the bargaining table.
What does a “YES” vote mean?
A “yes” vote means that the Membership has given the Executive Board a mandate to call a strike if necessary. However, no decision to go on strike will be made without another vote to be held at a special general membership meeting.
Additionally, a “yes” vote gives your bargaining team strong support to negotiate for a better contract. It shows the employer that we are prepared, if necessary, to defend our bargaining proposals. In most cases a strike vote is enough to make the employer move significantly, and a strong “yes” vote is all we need to attain a fair contract.
Is a strike inevitable?
No. While a majority strike vote mandate will authorize your Executive Board to call for a strike if the bargaining process breaks down, it does not mean that a strike is inevitable. Also, your Executive Board will not make the decision to go on strike without another last vote at a Special General Membership Meeting.
While a strike vote may sound alarming, it is not at all unusual. A strike vote is a necessary step in the collective bargaining process and a useful tool to convince employers to offer a fair deal.