We are getting ready for a strike vote! If Universal is not going to agree to a fair contract, we are going to go on strike!
In the event of a strike, members must be prepared with as much information as possible—and everyone must coordinate with one another for a strike to be successful. This page will lay out information and resources a member should have as we prepare for a strike.
Come to bargaining sessions with the Company! You can see and hear for yourself how unreasonable this Company has been during the past nine months of bargaining! You might even be present when the Company starts to get real at the bargaining table! So far, they have moved from a proposal for five consecutive, annual net-of-inflation pay cuts for all our members to three consecutive, annual net-of-inflation pay cuts. Not much progress on that front, right? The Company thinks you can’t count! But you can count—which is how you can tell that a 3% annual pay increase when inflation is running at 3.7% inflation is actually a Company proposal for a pay cut! Do you think you deserve any pay cut?
Here’s how we build muscle mass for a strike:
A strike is when workers unite, withhold our labor, don’t go to work, and participate in picketing and other actions, until the Union ends the strike.
We would go on strike to protest unfair labor practices and unfair contract proposals by Universal. Our demands are for better wages, more hours, and better working conditions. We and our families deserve to be able to live on this one job! A strike would be our last resort if Universal won’t agree to a fair contract!
Unlike in the healthcare sector, in theme parks and on CityWalk, we don’t have to give advance notice to Universal before we go on strike, and we almost never set a date to stop the strike. We use these rights to maximize the pressure of a strong strike! That means that no one can know exactly when we will strike and for how long. If anyone knew, the Company would know and this would undermine the effectiveness of a strike.
We will take a strike vote before we strike, but even after that, we must be ready to go on a moment's notice!
Workers are expected to show up to the picket line, support all Union actions to their fullest capability, and secure the support of their friends, families and communities as well. During a strike, true union members don’t go into work and we would also, at that time, urge a total boycott of the theme park and of CityWalk. Friends don’t let friends drive drunk, and friends don’t let friends (co-workers or customers) cross our picket-line!
No. The right to strike is strongly protected by federal law. It would be illegal for the company to assess attendance points for shifts you missed because you're on strike or to take any action against you in retaliation for going on strike.
Absolutely not. See above. The right to strike is very strongly protected by federal law. No one can be warned, suspended, terminated or otherwise disciplined for exercising this right. In an unfair labor practice strike, which we believe we will have, it is illegal to permanently replace you during a strike. If we do not achieve unfair labor practice status for our strike, then permanent replacement is lawful. But we will fight hard against this, and if Universal took such a step, this would be a company declaration of war on the entire, powerful labor movement in California.
See above—you have strong protection in federal labor law for participating in an authorized strike. Employer retaliation is strictly prohibited by law.
No.
No, sick days and vacation days cannot be used during a strike.
Yes, you can take pre-approved vacation and/or medical days. You can also join strike pickets during pre-approved vacation days, but you cannot join any strike activities with sick days.
Yes, it is possible that management would deny vacation requests due to an impending strike. This is why it is important to not leak information about our Union’s planning of a potential strike.
All subject to bargaining but generally no.
No, IATSE Local B-192 would give Universal a notice that we have called a strike to begin at a specific date and time. You would not need to call out. However, if your supervisor asks you if you are going on strike, we recommend answering YES in order to demonstrate solidarity with our Union! Never lie to a supervisor, but it’s illegal for them to compel you to answer questions. If they do so, report this law violation to the Local B-192 office.
Yes, if the company doesn’t pay your pre-approved vacation time because it occurred during the strike, that would be an Unfair Labor Practice, and our Union would file those charges on your behalf.
Yes, probationary employees have the same right as everyone else to strike and it would be unlawful to discharge a probationary employee because they went on strike.
More details to come. Strikers can prevent ruinous health expenses during a strike by use of COBRA protections after health insurance is cancelled during a strike. Striking means you don't get company wages or benefits during a strike. That's always a part of any strike. It's an act of courage, solidarity, and sacrifice.
Yes and yes. More details to come.
The union has a strike fund and other resources will be made available, including food banks and food drives.
Please see the Financial Resources section below for support!
*Remember that sometimes we cannot afford to NOT go on strike. A strike is a sacrifice, but also an investment into a future contract that pays us better wages, offers better benefits, and allows us to be able to provide for ourselves and our families financially. A strike is a small investment that can pay itself back several times over.
That person is betraying all their co-workers. That person is a scab. Read Jack London’s poem about the scab. A scab is a thief and a greedy person who obviously cares nothing about their coworkers. A scab wants someone else to sacrifice for a good contract that everyone will benefit from. A scab is a dishonest, dishonorable, and immoral person.
Yes. We are always 100% peaceful but also 100% militant, active, and strong. We will post rules before a strike.
Please amplify our activities on social media as much as you can, as long as you are not sharing sensitive information that wasn’t already greenlit by our Union to be publicized.
Also remember that you can be held responsible for any violence or threats on a picket line. Again, we will post “do’s and don’t’s” during a strike. Understand that anything you document and post to social media will be seen by others and ultimately the company. Assume that everything you post is public and be conscious of how it will be interpreted. But do go on social media and support a strike if the Union calls one!
If possible, we recommend that you pass along the opportunity to an elected representative or official of Local B-192 so that our Union ensures sharing the most accurate, precise message that will best reflect all striking members in their negotiations with the company.
Our MEMBER RESOURCES & ASSISTANCE page has more general financial resources.
Local B-192 Strike Fund
Yes, we have a strike fund! Members should be in good standing (all dues/fees paid) to be considered for this assistance, and eligibility will be determined by our Executive Board in conjunction with the Local's Strike Fund Committee. We also expect members to plan on participating in strike picketing. More details to come. Our STRIKE FUND POLICY has background information regarding the strike fund.
Financial Assistance
Food & Supplies Needs
Various Assistance
Job Opportunities Outside the Company
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