Need a Strike Plan

LSerafin

A nursing home is in the middle of negotiations for a first time contract. We want to have a strike plan ready in the event we get a notice. If there is a strike, it will involve all of our dietary, housekeeping, laundry departments, plus 75% of our nursing staff.
We are in the process of contacting our vendors to determine how deliveries can be make during a strike as well as staffing agencies to determine the number of staff that can be provided on limited notice.
We are considering having our managers work 12 hour shifts and have no problem providing in- house accomodations if that becomes necessary.
Are there any other issues that we need to consider?
Thanks

Janet

We're a manufacturing facility--we always contact a security agency to provide for additional security if a strike develops.

Cinderella

LSerafin - I don't have an answer but I do have a question. Don't health care facilities have to be given a 10 day notice before their workers strike? I thought I read that somewhere. If this is so, it may give you some more time to get workers and delivery issues figured out.

LSerafin

Yes, I believe that it is the NLRB which does require a notice be sent before a strike is called in a health care facility. I am not sure if the notice is 10 or 30 days, but 10 days is not a lot of time to try to find over 100 staff for replacements, etc.
We do not have that notice yet, and may never get it, but I want to be prepared.
thanks for your concern.

Cinderella

True, it isn't a lot of time and being prepared is better safe than sorry. I think the idea on the security guard is a good one too.

Sunny

The security firm is an excellent idea - you should also contact local law enforcement. Years ago at a manufacturing firm we thought a strike was likely and had security and police ready. We also made provision for transportation to and from the work site - some of your people may be unable to remain in-house. Good luck.

LSerafin

Transportation to and from the worksite is a great idea- thanks

rad

Having been through this before, I agree with the suggestion to hire security or even a police detail. Many of your delivery people may refuse to cross the picket line if they themselves are unionized employees or are afraid of retaliation. There's not much you can do in that situation. I'm not sure how volatile your situation may become, but you should perpare the employees who will be working in the event of a strike that it can be confrontational and they may be taunted and to be prepared. I've worked strike duty, 12 hours a day for 2 weeks straight, and it is not fun at all, crossing a picket line was the hardest and scariest thing I ever had to do. Be sure to support your managers and give them adequate training to do the jobs they need to do.

sonny

I agree with all that has been said. As RAD noted. . and I know from experience, sympathetic vendors WILL refuse to cross so I would have food, cots etc. (your in house accomodations) lined up for sure. Medication for residents would be another concern. You have to be prepared for the long haul. I would rather do long duty than cross back and forth over the line. We had staff meet up at one point and bussed them in in a van across the line rather than have to put them thro crossing in their own vehicles. (the van took the brick instead of someone's private vehicle x:-( ) Not likely to occur many places, but we were also able to initially come in a back route thru a field and avoid the line all together. The union figured it out and just moved their line. I would have a plan to keep your residents and their families informed and be prepared for the press. Be prepared for the residents to be upset. The aftermath, as I recall, is almost as bad as the strike itself. . Hard feelings that take a LONG time to heal and in some cases never did. I am sure there is more that I can't remember but your labor attorney should be able to help or other nursing homes in the area who may have been thru a strike. Sorry to ramble on, as rad notes it is an experience of a life time and one to avoid if at all possible.

LSerafin

Thank you- these are good tips

ritaanz

I remember those days well. One thing I would like to add. In my experience, I did not receive the customary police coverage that one would expect. They were sympathetic with the strikers because they have their own union.

I would make arrangements with an off site warehouse or distribution center to have deliveries made there instead of crossing the line. You get much less resistance from vendors.

rad

Good point Rita, I had bad experiences with the police just standing there ignoring the violence.

Cinderella

Wow, that is really terrible. What did you do? Did you say anything to the police? Just curious. That would be really scarey.

rad

I was to upset to say anything and not at all willing to hang around the picket line to complain to the cops. I just kept my eyes straight ahead and kept moving.

LSerafin

Great idea about the off site warehouse- we have had some picketing by the union and have hired off- duty police who stay in our parking lot right outside the front door in case of problems- we even had the head of the local police union involved in this- so far they have been great- thanks for your suggestions

ritaanz

Other things I remember: Hired a firm that did surveillance. They caught quite a few personnel vandalizing company property on tape. They were stationed in a van parked across from the building both day and night. Saved a lot of $ in property damage.

Our company parking lot was situated across the street from the building. The pickets were blocking the entire street. We had all of our management team in the parking lot ready to escort those employees who wanted to work.

It's a stressful time for everyone. Many out on that stike line really do not want to be there. Peer pressure and mild threats force them to make the only decision they can. Good luck.

Cinderella

Whoa! I have to say, I thought that kind of thing only happened in the movies. This thread has definitely enlightened me to union environments with strikes going on.

rad

You're right, it is bad for all. When I had to cross the line my brother was out on strike. It was a tough time for the whole family. We called each other every night at first to see if there was any news but we had to stop after a while - he was stressed not making money and I was stressed from daily fatigue and harassment, it began to get hard for us to sympathize with each other. The peer pressure is enormous. I support the right to strike, but I do not support the tactics used to intimidate people. It takes such a heavy emotional toll on everyone, many of us had PTSD-like feelings when we returned to work- panic, paranoia, anxiety, and we were expected to behave as if nothing happened. You are right Cinderella, it does sound like TV, doesn't it? But when TV stuff happens in real life, it leaves a mark.

I hope I don't come across as an alarmist or overly pessimistic, but in these situations I do believe it is best to prepare for the worst unless you have a history of friendly negotiations.

DB

We are also facing a possible strike and trying to make some plans. Security and delivery plans are going ok, my problem is finding temporary workers. The union positions are utility laborers. Mgt can do some of the work during a strike but other workers will be needed to keep basic operations going. I'm finding that many temp agencies (Manpower, etc) don't cross picket lines. Any suggestions?

rad

One alternative we used was asking retirees to come back to work during the strike. Some were glad for a few extra bucks, others told us where to go and how to get there, they'd rather die than be a scab.

ritaanz

I was lucky to be located in an area that had high unemployment. I put up notices in the local food stores, libraries and post offices. Placed ads in the local paper and asked our employees to refer friends and relatives.

The most important thing is that you must be able to work/train the people who apply. Do not think of them as your workers replacements. They are your new, raw recruits and need to be trained. Now is the time to devise a training plan that is bare bones and practical. All you want to do is get the basics done.

WT

You may have already received this advice but you need to consider your entrances. Many times, strikers picket entrances and suppliers that are unionized will not cross. If you have clearly labeled employee entrances and one for contractors, suppliers and vendors, you are in a better position to permit picketing only at the employee's entrance.