Strike? No Strike? Tune In Later Tonight!

So… is there going to be a strike tonight or not? Hell, I don’t know. All signs pointed to yes this morning, then later in the day the tide seemed to turn the other day, and now it seems like there’s going to be a strike again. So why guess? We’ll all know in a few hours anyway.

I may have some things up late tonight if there is a strike, but if you’re that much of a mediaholic that you really must know immediately, then PW’s own Steve Volk will be covering it on (what else) a blog. He will be updating non-stop, I’m sure, so you can head over there for more strike coverage. I’ll also continue to keep posting Guild memos, funny management emails and the like.

The blog is called The Daily Strike, etc. etc. The latest Guild memo is after the jump.

How will I know we’re on strike?

Your picket captain or designee will alert you via telephone or private email. If you miss the call or can’t get on the web, check the news; call the Guild at 215-928-xxxx. There will be a Guild hotline operating throughout a strike and frequent updates on our web page: www.local-10.com.

Will I get health insurance?
Yes, the Guild Health and Welfare fund will continue to cover your health insurance.

Will I get strike pay?
Yes. On the eighth day of the strike, you’ll get a check for $150.

On the fifteenth day you’ll get a check for $200.

On the twenty-ninth day you’ll get a check for $300 and again each week until the end of the strike.

How do I get my strike pay?
Your picket captain will hand out the checks on the picket line. Those working in other capacities for the Guild strike will get checks from their team leaders.

What are we doing about scabs?
We’re all in this together and our power is in our numbers. Some bosses are already quietly telling staffers that it would be a bad idea to cross a picket line. In previous strikes, the bosses have done this as well. The problem with scabs is that nobody can trust them – not the union, not the Company. (Editor’s Note: Hey, that didn’t answer the question!)

What about paying my bills?
Try prepaying some of your bills and call your creditors to tell them you’re involved in a labor action. In the 1985 strike, the Credit Union moved its office to the Guild hall so it could service people. We’re hoping to make the same arrangement if we go out this time.

Members should consider signing up with temporary employment agencies or finding part-time work.

And, today would be a great day to put in for that overtime you’ve already earned.