Frequently asked questions: BHP specific
- Is it true that the union can fine me if I go to work at BHP while the strike is still going (doing struck work)?
- How much will I be fined if I am found guilty of working at BHP while the strike is still going (doing struck work)?
- I have been told by my supervisor at BHP not to worry about the fines and that BHP will pay any fines charged by the union if I come back to work? Can they do this?
- Is it true that the union can not fine me if I have not signed a union membership card?
- Why has the union not put out much information about their ability to fine members who do struck work?
- I live outside of the NWT and will be working at the mine site on April 7th. If strike action is taken, how do I change my return air ticket?
- I live in Kugluktuk, Wha Ti or Wekweti and will be working at the mine site on April 7th. If strike action is taken how will I get home?
- If there is a strike and I have to make changes to my travel arrangements, I will be charged “change fees” and may have to stay overnight in a hotel to make connections – will the union reimburse for this extra expense?
- Why was date for strike action set to start just a couple of days after shift change?
- I am one of the:
1) Communications Technicians,
2)Condition Monitoring Technicians (Vibration techs),
3) Dispatcher, Wenco Dispatch and/or Dispatch Team Leaders, or
4) Senior Business Reporting Technicians.
Can I legally withdraw my services and join my brothers and sisters on the picket line?
- What should I advise my co-workers at BHP who are not PSAC members of Local X3050 to do if we go on strike?
- I am a truck driver. What do I do when a strike starts at 6:00 am and I am already at work?
- What should I do about getting my personal belongings out of Ekati if there is a strike?
- If we go on strike how will I know when to go back to work and how much time will I have?
- What happens to my dental coverage during a strike?
- What can my friends, family and I do to help avoid a strike?
- If I am a BHP member living in Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Edmonton, Vancouver or St. Johns, etc. and we are on strike on April 7th what will happen and what is expected of me?
- How do I know where to Picket?
Is it true that the union can fine me if I go to work at BHP while the strike is still going (doing struck work)?
Yes, unions have won the legal right to fine members found guilty of doing struck work.
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How much will I be fined if I am found guilty of working at BHP while the strike is still going (doing struck work)?
Members who are found guilty of doing struck can be fined up to the amount earned while doing struck work. – in other words you will be working for nothing.
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I have been told by my supervisor at BHP not to worry about the fines and that BHP will pay any fines charged by the union if I come back to work? Can they do this?
It is illegal for the employer (BHP) to interfere in union business – in other words offer to pay your fines.
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Is it true that the union can not fine me if I have not signed a union membership card?
No, the union has the legal right to fine members doing struck work whether or not they have signed a card.
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Why has the union not put out much information about their ability to fine members who do struck work?
BHP left no choice for their hard working employees but to reject an unfair final offer and walk out on strike. The union is you. By standing together in strong solidarity you send a message that you must be treated with respect and a fair first agreement. It is only as a last resort that fines are considered to maintain a fair balance for your co-workers who are also making a sacrifice.
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I live outside of the NWT and will be working at the mine site on April 7th. If strike action is taken, how do I change my return air ticket?
If strike action is taken on April 7th, it is the responsibility of BHP to ensure your safe return to Edmonton. Once the strike begins and you have confirmation of BHP’s arrangements to get you out of the mine site:
Call to make necessary changes to change your return air ticket.
or call 1-800 661-0870 for assistance or PSAC staff will be at the Explorer Hotel – Katimavik Room A, in Yellowknife
PSAC staff will be at Edmonton International Airport Arrivals/Luggage or can also call (780) 429-2278 or 1 800 814-3948 (Edmonton)
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I live in Kugluktuk, Wha Ti or Wekweti and will be working at the mine site on April 7th. If strike action is taken how will I get home?
BHP must ensure your safe return to the community you live in. If they do not, contact someone from your Local Executive or the Strike Headquarters at 1- 800 661-0870. PSAC will not leave you stranded.
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If there is a strike and I have to make changes to my travel arrangements, I will be charged “change fees” and may have to stay overnight in a hotel to make connections – will the union reimburse for this extra expense?
Yes, PSAC Admin staff will be available at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife, at Strike Headquarters 1- 800-661-0870 and Edmonton International Airport arrivals/luggage area to assist with necessary arrangements and expense claim forms. You will be reimbursed for any change fees and any additional hotel or meal per diems necessary to return you to your residence.
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Why was date for strike action set to start just a couple of days after shift change?
Your negotiating team has been trying to get BHP back to the table with the Mediator since their offer was rejected. The Union was prepared to go to Mediation on March 27th & 28th ‘BUT” the Emplyer was not. After a lot of pressure from the members, BHP finally agreed to April 5th & 6th -- where April 7th became the date for strike action if no deal is reached.
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I am one of the:
1) Communications Technicians,
2)Condition Monitoring Technicians (Vibration techs),
3) Dispatcher, Wenco Dispatch and/or Dispatch Team Leaders, or
4) Senior Business Reporting Technicians.
Can I legally withdraw my services and join my brothers and sisters on the picket line?
“NO”. There is a dispute between the Union and BHP on whether you are to be part of the union. The dispute is before the Labour Board and no decision has been reached yet. You do not have the legal right to strike so must report to work as usual but reminded not to do struck work. Under protection of the Canada Labour Code Section 94, sub 3, sub c, BHP workers can not be forced to do struck work or disciplined for refusing.
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What should I advise my co-workers at BHP who are not PSAC members of Local X3050 to do if we go on strike?
Only PSAC members of Local X3050 are in a legal strike position and asked to stop all work for BHP. All other workers at BHP should report for work as usual but are asked not to do struck work – work normally done by PSAC members of Local X3050. Under protection of the Canada Labour Code Section 94, sub 3, sub c, BHP workers can not be forced to do struck work or disciplined for refusing.
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I am a truck driver. What do I do when a strike starts at 6:00 am and I am already at work?
If notified strike is to start at 6:00 am, Safety of yourself and others must be your first consideration. Advise Dispatch and Team Leader then get your truck to a safe parking pullout or parking area as soon as safe to do so and await pick up.
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What should I do about getting my personal belongings out of Ekati if there is a strike?
Have you bags packed and ready to go by April 6th evening.
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If we go on strike how will I know when to go back to work and how much time will I have?
Keep in close contact with you Picket Captain, Local Executive or call Strike Headquarters at 1 800 – 661-0870. A back to work protocol will be part of the settlement. This will allow enough time for you to make arrangements to report to work. Again it is very important that you make sure we have a number or email where you can be reached.
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What happens to my dental coverage during a strike?
In the event of a strike, your current coverage will be maintained. PSAC has an agreement with BHP to pay the premiums for members who exercise their right to strike. In other words whatever is covered on dental, eye or prescription drug expenses will continue during a strike at no extra cost to you.
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What can my friends, family and I do to help avoid a strike?
Attend all rallies and actively participate.
Talk to your neighbours and friends at each opportunity to tell them what is happening.
Write a letter to the newspaper Editor supporting a fair contract and respect from the employer by addressing the issues. The issues are SENIORITY, JOB SECURITY, WAGE EQUITY AND AN ANNUAL WAGE INCREASE.
CONTACT YOUR MLA, MP, Mayor, Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses and ask them to raise our concerns with BHP Management.
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If I am a BHP member living in Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Edmonton, Vancouver or St. Johns, etc. and we are on strike on April 7th what will happen and what is expected of me?
Up until such time as you have been contacted by your Picket Captain --All members are urged to continue with normal arrangements.
Once Strike Action is Called --The Strike Coordinator will contact Picket Captains at each site to call for Picket Lines to go up and all members will be requested to immediately stop all work for the employer.
If scheduled, do not board flight to mine once the strike action is called. All Members in Yellowknife will be requested to join the lines at designated times and places. (join line at Bradenburry – or contact Strike Headquarters 1 800 661- 0870)
Members in Hay River or scheduled to fly from Hay River to the mine, do not board flight to mine once the strike action is called and join the picket line at the airstrip. Your Picket Captain will give you further instructions.
Members from other parts of Canada scheduled to fly out of Edmonton to mine --, do not board flight to Yellowknife once the strike action is called. Join the picket line at the Edmonton departure gate and your Picket Captain will give you further instructions.
Note: Arrangements will be made for all out of town members for pre-paid return travel along with travel expenses.
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How do I know where to Picket?
On the first day, a bit of confusion is to be expected. The main objective is to withdraw from all work for the BHP. Picket Lines will be at Edmonton, Hay River and YK airstrips.
For those on site you will be asked to gather at the gymnasium and wait for further instructions from your Picket Captain. It is expected the BHP will make arrangements to transport striking workers back to Yellowknife ASAP – but in any case PSAC – UNW will ensure your safe return home.
It is very important to return completed Participation Sheets to streamline strike structure and ensure you get your strike pay. Any assistance you can offer will help – walk picket line, help in office, participate in planned activity, speak to your MLA, mayor or local business to ask for their support in calling for fair deal and no use of SCABS. –Get as many signatures on the petitions as possible
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