Valued Employees:
Here you will find important information and resources, including documents, articles and important links, to help you make thoughtful decisions regarding union representation.
For questions, please email: Unionquestions@republicservices.com
Can I strike?
Yes, there is nothing prohibiting you from doing so, but you will not be entitled to pay from the Company if you are striking. That said, the law equally entitles you to continue working during a potential union strike and we hope you choose to do so.
How does a strike affect my pay?
The Company does not pay employees who go out on strike or who refuse to work. Only employees who come to work will receive a Company paycheck, and in many instances, lost pay from a strike is never recouped.
How does a strike affect my health benefits?
Just as the Company is not required to pay wages to employees during a strike, the Company is also not required to pay for continued health insurance. And, unless the employee pays for the full cost of the health insurance premium – the Company’s portion and the employee’s portion, healthcare coverage may be discontinued.
Can permanent replacement workers be hired to fill the jobs of strikers?
If an economic strike is called, the Company typically has the right to hire permanent replacements to fill the jobs of employees who go out on strike. Permanent replacements keep their jobs after the economic strike ends, and the strikers are only entitled to be placed on a recall list and fill any openings that occur for which they are qualified.
What may be the potential Impact of a strike on the business?
The Company has a contingency plan and has plans to run its business in the event of a strike since service disruption to customers has the potential to jeopardize the stability of our business. We have an obligation to the communities we serve to ensure our business is uninterrupted. Strikes can have devastating effects on employees and businesses, but just because employees go out on strike, that does not mean the Company will agree to the union’s demands.
If there is a strike, can I continue to work?
Yes, but, if you are a member of the union and come to work during a strike, you may be subject to a fine by the union which could be enforced in court. You can avoid such a fine, by resigning your union membership in writing before crossing a picket line. The choice is yours.
Can the union really fine me if I choose to work?
It depends. If you joined the union and are a “union member,” then you are subject to the union’s rules that are found in the union’s bylaws and constitution.
How much will I get paid if I come back to work during a strike?
You will continue to be paid the same amount that you were getting paid before the strike.
Do I get Blue Crew pay and per diem if I work during a strike?
No. You would not be entitled to Blue Crew pay as that is reserved for employees who temporarily leave their jobs to travel to our location to help during the strike. You would not be doing Blue Crew work but instead showing up to work at your home location.
Can I get picked up / dropped off at the hotel where the Blue Crew is staying?
The Company will provide information regarding group transportation to and from a local location to work, if needed, for employees who want to work during the strike.
How are you able to protect my safety if I come back to work?
We have seen unions make threats during strikes to try and control employees. You should report any threats or violence to the police immediately. You should also report any such threats or violence to your supervisor, and the Company, may, if appropriate, arrange for private security. However, the Company cannot guarantee to protect every employee from all risks at all times.
The Basic Guide to the National Labor Relations Act (English)
The Basic Guide to the National Labor Relations Act (Spanish)
