STRIKE

WE ARE LEGALLY ALLOWED TO STRIKE

Who decides if we go on strike?

Members of the union with the assistance of your bargaining unit. If your elected bargaining team delegates are unable to secure a contract, they will call for a strike authorization vote. Union members will vote whether to authorize the bargaining team to call a strike.

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Can temporary/probationary employee strike?

YES! All employees have the right to strike under state law, regardless of status as permanent, temporary, probationary, as-needed, etc. Immigration status also does not affect your right to strike.

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Can't I be disciplined/terminated/retaliated against for striking? 

NO. You have a legally protected right to strike. What is retaliation? If you or anyone who participates in union activities are contacted by a manager or HR staff member, do NOT speak with them. That is considered “direct dealing” and is illegal during this period of contract negotiations. The city management and HR team are aware that they should be working with our bargaining team, union reps and shop stewards, please redirect them back to us. As a reminder, participation in union activity is considered “protected concerted activity,” meaning retaliation by management is illegal. If you are asked to have a meeting with management, ask if it is a disciplinary meeting, and regardless of the answer, you can ask for a Union Representative, such as a Field Representative or Union Steward, to be present with you. The meeting can always be rescheduled to have a Union Representative be present. If shifts, protected roles, or other "perks" of your job are taken away or if you havew an uncomfortable interaction with management, write down what you experienced as soon as possible, include what was said and who was present. Contact your Union Field Representative or Union Steward, or contact us here. The California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) has ruled that the form the City and County of San Francisco make employees sign agreeing they can be terminated for striking is void and unenforceable. 

SEIU 1021 bargaining units have conducted dozens of ULP strikes over recent years free from retaliation by management. If you do feel like you're facing retaliation, be sure to alert your shop steward and/or union rep immediately so that it can be addressed.

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Does SEIU 1021 have a strike fund? 

SEIU 1021 does not have a strike fund with a capacity to cover members' lost wages. When SEIU 1021 members go on strike, it's because they have decided that what they stand to gain from the strike outweighs the day(s) of pay they will lose from being on strike. The City has already said they want to balance the budget on our backs. We suggest starting to put money aside for a potential strike now. 

Most SEIU 1021 unfair labor practice (ULP) strikes are limited duration meaning they typically last 1-5 days.

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​Will I lose my healthcare if I go on strike? 

No, policies are paid monthly. Members who go on strike will not lose their healthcare during a strike. Our strike would last no longer than five days.

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I have pre-approved vacation, will I still get my vacation if we vote to and go on strike? 

Yes, if you have pre-approved vacation prior to a strike vote your employer needs to honor your vacation. Document your pre-approval in case the City pulls their usual bait and switch. 

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The right to strike is your first amendment right.

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"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."