More Questions and Answers about the Strike

New material will be added to this section as the strike progresses. Please check the Public Service Alliance of Canada website regularly for important updates on the strike.

Can the employer order me to remain inside the workplace on my lunch hour when there is a picket line outside?

The employer does not own your lunch hour, but if it is likely that you would have trouble reporting to work because of the picket line, then the employer can order you to remain inside. For the same reason, the employer can order employees to start at the same time rather than allowing staggered times.

What if the employer does not tell me stay inside and I go out at lunch hour anyway. Can I find myself in difficulties?

Adjudication decisions have found that employees who leave their workplace at lunch knowing they will have difficulty returning because of a picket line may face loss of pay, discipline or a financial penalty.

If you are a designated employee and want to participate in union activities on your lunch break, you should approach the issue of re-entering the workplace realistically.