No, not yet at least. A few more steps must be taken before we are in a legal strike position. We must take a strike vote, finish the conciliation board process, and meet some technical legal obligations.

Unions are democratic, and members have the opportunity to vote on whether or not they consent to strike action. Sessions will be organized where bargaining information is shared and members can vote. If a majority of voters agree to a strike, it gives the bargaining team and union leadership a mandate to take action, and sends a message to the employer that workers are ready to fight. A positive strike vote does not mean that a strike is inevitable, just that it is a tactical option that can be used to get a better deal.

We must also complete the conciliation board process outlined above. Once the conciliation board has issued its report, two final requirements must be met:

• 14 days must pass, where both sides review the report and make a final effort to reach an agreement; and
• 48 hours’ notice must be given to the employer.

Once all of that is complete, then striking becomes legal.

Being on strike does not necessarily mean you’re immediately out on a picket line. For more information on strikes, please join an information session and check out the following online resources: YG Bargaining website, YEU; PSAC Strike Manual .