Strike Frequently Asked Questions
2024 Hotel Campaign
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- Q: Why will we go on strike?
A: Our Strike Authorization vote passed with a 94% approval rate! This is a historic moment. We all know that the companies are experiencing record-breaking profits while we are struggling to make ends meet. We are fighting for a contract that protects our staffing/workload, benefit money, job protection, and wages to get ahead because One Job should be Enough! - Q: How long will the strike last?
A: As long as it takes to win! - Q: Will I get fired for going on strike?
A: No. A federal labor law called the National Labor Relations Act guarantees workers’ rights to strike without retaliation. Be sure to clock out and secure your area if you are on duty to make it clear you’re striking. - Q: What if I am in the hotel when the strike starts?
A: You have a federal right to walk out at the strike’s onset. Clock out and secure your area. Contrary to what management may say, it is not job abandonment, and the Employer cannot retaliate against you for participating in a strike. - Q: How many hours am I expected to participate in the strike? A: Strikers who participate in at least 25 hours/week in strike activities will receive strike benefits as follows: If the strike lasts 3-4 days the benefit will be $200. If the strike lasts 5-7 days the benefit will be an additional $200. 2nd week $400. 3rd week $500. For more information, talk to your committee leader or organizer.
- Q: Will I have health insurance?
A: Yes. If you have medical coverage at the onset of the strike, you will have medical coverage during the strike. It is unlawful for the employer to change your medical coverage during the strike. - Q: Can I still participate in the strike if I am a new hire still on probation?
A: Yes. All employees have a federally protected right to strike even if they are still under their probationary period and will also be eligible for any strike benefit provided by the Union. - Q: Do I have to tell management my plans to participate in the strike?
A: No. Managers or supervisors may ask you if you will participate in the strike. You do not have to give them an answer. If you are uncomfortable answering, you can tell them to direct their questions to the Union. - Q: Can the employer cancel my vacation if the strike falls during my approved vacation?
A: No. If your vacation is pre-approved, management cannot cancel it because of the strike. - Q: If I have scheduled vacation during the strike, will I get vacation pay?
A: You should receive vacation pay if you have already scheduled your vacation. - Q: What if I have another job and have to go to work?
A: Go to work at your other job and try and participate in the picket lines when you can. - Q: What other support will we get?
A: We are working on community support and many other ways to support you. - Q: If I work at two Local 5 properties, can I walk a double shift and get double strike benefits?
A: No. - Q: Who will go on strike?
A: Our intention is to strike all hotels that voted. Ultimately, the decision will be based on worker readiness, what makes the most strategic sense, and what maximizes our chances of winning a great standard. - Will the company hire strikebreakers?
A: Yes, but no amount of preparation is going to change the fact that the quality of guest service will go down. - What is the safest strike?
A: The safest strike is the one that we do together. We go out together and come back together!
If you have more questions, speak to your committee leader or organizer.