Providence Sacred Heart Technical Unit Frequently Asked Questions
Next Monday April 22 at 2pm we will begin our Unfair Labor Practice Strike- for our patients, community, and each other. Updates will be sent via email and text before and during the strike to keep all Techs updated and answer questions. The best way to get our questions answered during the strike, is on the strike line itself.
Below are the top questions from Techs- please reach out to your Strike Captains and Union Representative Juanita Quezada with any questions. If you are interested in being a Strike Captain and taking a leadership role on the strike line, please join us for an in-person Strike Captain meeting tomorrow April 19 at 6pm at the UFCW 3000 Spokane Office.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IF I AM WORKING AT 2PM WHEN THE STRIKE BEGINS, WHEN WOULD I JOIN THE STRIKE LINE?
You should join the strike line as soon as you are able to give report and hand off your patient assignment in a safe manner. If there is no one who can take your assignment at 2PM on April 22, then you should work until the end of your shift and then hand off your assignment as you would normally and then join us on the picket line. Providence will likely communicate prior to the strike the plan for relieving Techs from shift, and UFCW 3000 has requested Sacred Heart’s plan for these hand-offs to ensure that they take place as smoothly as possible.
IF I AM TOLD TO LEAVE MY SHIFT BEFORE 2PM ON APRIL 22 WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You should document who from management told you to leave your shift early and ask if you will be paid for the remainder of your shift. Then you should join the picket line. If you are relieved early, report this to your Union Rep.
WHEN DO I RETURN TO WORK?
You will return to work on your next scheduled shift that begins after Tuesday April 30 at 8:30 pm. UFCW 3000 will also be requesting guidance from Providence and will keep members informed throughout the strike.
Do i have to work on-call shifts during the strike?
No. The reason for the 10-day notice is to give the Employer time to seek replacement workers during the strike to cover all shifts, including on-call.
WILL I LOSE MY JOB IF I GO ON STRIKE?
You cannot be legally fired. You can be permanently replaced only if the strike is caused solely by economic issues and only after the actual hiring of a permanent replacement for your position. Our strike is called to protest unfair labor practices by the employer, and in this case the employer cannot legally hire a permanent replacement for you unless the NLRB determines that this was solely an economic strike. However, you may certain job protections if you engage in activity such as harassing those who choose to cross the picket line.
CAN I RETURN TO MY SAME JOB AND SHIFT?
Yes- during an Unfair Labor Practice Strike, your employer must offer you an unconditional return to work. In an economic strike, a “return to work” agreement is usually negotiated prior to the conclusion of any strike. We will insist, as part of the “return to work” agreement that each Tech is returned to their job, unit, and shift. If Techs stay unified in striking, we are more likely to prevail in negotiations for a “return to work” agreement.
WHAT IF Providence LOCKS US OUT?
If Providence chooses to lockout employees, they have to lockout all employees including non-members. Workers locked out by their employers are generally eligible for unemployment benefits. The Employment Security Department will determine eligibility for unemployment benefits on a case-by-case basis.
CAN I GET UNEMPLOYMENT WHEN ON STRIKE? DO I ACCRUE PTO/EIB WHEN ON STRIKE?
You will not accrue PTO or EIB while you are on strike. The Employment Security Department determines eligibility for unemployment benefits on as case by case basis for workers in a labor dispute.
CAN I USE ACCRUED EIB OR PAID TIME OFF BENEFITS?
Although an employer may not discriminate against strikers with respect to the use of paid time off during a strike, an employer is not required to allow strikers to use their accrued paid time or other benefits during a strike unless they are otherwise entitled to do so. If you submitted a vacation request before the strike and it was approved in accordance with Providence’s established policies, Providence must pay the paid time benefits even though the approved paid time occurs while you are on strike.
WILL I STILL HAVE HEALTHCARE DURING THE STRIKE?
Yes. There is a lag month under your health insurance plan that would keep your insurance through the end April.
WHAT IS MY STRIKE BENEFIT?
Our Union Executive Board has approved strike fund benefits for members and non-members of:
$500/week for picketing a minimum of 20 hours a week,
$800/week for picketing a minimum of 32 hours or more a week,
$200/week “Respect the Line Benefit” for those who cannot join their colleagues on the strike line but respect the strike line and do not cross.
Since this is an 8-day strike, there is one additional day for Techs to have an opportunity to get enough hours to receive strike benefits. The Union will only pay one week of benefits and encourages everyone to picket at least 32 hours.
Our union also has a strike hardship fund to assist members whose families face difficult financial situations. If you are in a hardship position, please let the Union know so that you can apply for assistance. We are also working closely with other local labor unions and community organizations to coordinate resources for striking workers.
IS THERE PAPERWORK I NEED TO FILL OUT FOR MY STRIKE BENEFIT? WHEN WILL I BE PAID?
To receive Union Strike Benefits, YOU will need to complete a W9 Form online or in-person at the Strike Sign-In Tent. Strike Checks will be mailed to the address listed on your W9 no later than the week of May 6. In order to not have a delay in receiving your check, please make sure to Sign In and Out on each shift, so that your hours are recorded accurately.
WHAT ARE MY PERSONAL OBLIGATIONS IF WE GO ON STRIKE?
Do not cross the picket line! Our Strike Remains Strong when workers respect the picket line. Take your share of picket duty and/or strike activity. A strike is not a vacation; it is a very intensive, goal-oriented job. Pay attention and engaged on social media and any other communications from your team or UFCW 3000. Do not contribute to the rumor mill. Stay in contact with your colleagues. Help each other out in any way you are able. Discuss issues and continue a productive dialogue.
HOW MANY WORKERS WILL IT TAKE FOR A STRIKE TO BE EFFECTIVE?
A large active picket line is vital to a successful strike. Every Tech needs to participate to send a strong message to Providence. The more workers, family, and friends we have out on the line, the harder it is for people to cross it. Being at the picket is also the best way to get the latest information on how the strike is going and to show the community that workers are united in the strike.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF CROSSING THE PICKET LINE?
Crossing a picket line weakens workers’ power to win the change we need in negotiations, whether it be safe staffing, better compensation, or holding the employer accountable to follow labor law. It also erodes the camaraderie in the workplace, could prolong the strike and negatively impacts our efforts to work as a team once the strike is settled.
WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF MY PATIENTS? WILL IT BE CONSIDERED ABANDONMENT?
The facility received 10 days’ notice which will allow them to move patients to other facilities and to cease taking elective patients. Any patients remaining will be taken care of by managers and strike breakers (travel/contract workers and bargaining unit Techs who cross the picket line). Patients who would normally come to the facility may have to use other facilities.
WILL A STRIKE AFFECT THE IMAGE OF TECHS IN A NEGATIVE WAY?
No. We are professionals. We should demand reasonable management practices, a safe environment for both our patients and us and benefits that reflect our professional status. It is important to conduct ourselves in a professional manner and be informed. UFCW 3000 Techs have the support of the community and Local and State Elected Officials, and Labor organizations.
HOW LONG WIIL THE STRIKE LAST?
Our strike will start on Monday April 22 at 2pm and last until Tuesday April 30 at 8:30 pm.
IF I AM NOT YET A MEMBER OF THE UNION, BUT AM IN THE BARGAINING UNIT, CAN I GO ON STRIKE?
Yes. All Techs in the bargaining unit are represented by the Union. All employees, even new hires in their probationary period, have the legal right to strike and honor the picket line. Non-members within the bargaining unit have the same protection under the law as members do during a strike.
WHAT ARE OTHER WORKERS ALLOWED TO DO OPENLY TO SUPPORT WORKERS ON STRIKE?
All workers have the right to collective concerted union activity such as voicing their support and wearing buttons, stickers, or other visible solidarity. Please check www.ufcw3000.org/strike for up-to-date information.
CAN MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY JOIN THE PICKET LINE?
Yes! Our fight is our friends’, families’, and communities’ fight. However, they will be required to abide by the same rules of conduct expected of all Techs. Invite your family and friends to join the strike line and an evening solidarity Rally on Wednesday, April 24, at 7pm over in Cowley Park (next to the hospital at 7th & Division St.)
CAN OTHER UFCW 3000 MEMBERS NOT IN NEGOTIATIONS STRIKE?
No. Members cannot strike while their contract is in effect. This includes other UFCW 3000 members in the Service and Maintenance Unit and at Holy Family. They may join in solidarity at Sacred Heart when they are off work.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK DURING THE STRIKE?
You may park in public parking areas, street, or residential parking. We encourage everyone to carpool or utilize public transportation. No one should use employee parking during the strike.
WHAT OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR RESTROOMS?
In the event you need supplies or need a bio break, there will be restroom access at surrounding businesses and strike headquarters: Hampton Inn Spokane Downtown-South: 675 S. McClellan St., Spokane. Do not enter the Hospital to use the restroom or buy food.
WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I WEAR ON THE STRIKE LINE?
Wear comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothes or scrubs if possible. Gloves are encouraged for early morning and evening to keep warm. Wear UFCW yellow and blue- and have fun with it!
WHERE DO WE REPORT FOR STRIKE SIGN-IN/OUT?
Upon arrival, sign-in at the Tent on S. McCelellan St. and W 8th Ave. You must sign-in here when you arrive. When your shift is over, sign out at the tent or with a UFCW 3000 staff person on the strike line in order to receive Strike Benefits.
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP BEFORE WE GO ON STRIKE?
Yes! Volunteer to be a strike captain and attend the Strike Captain Meeting on Friday April 19 at 6pm at the UFCW 3000 Spokane Office. You can also share the Community Pledge and Rally Information with friends and family- all info centralized at www.ufcw3000.org/strike.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE STRIKE?
We have requested bargaining dates during the 10-day strike notice period. Providence has declined, and up to this point has indicated that they have no intention of changing their minds. Our hope is to return to the table as soon as possible either during or after thestrike and use the power of our ULP strike to reach a contract agreement.
Strike Hotline: 1-866-210-3000
