ALT Facts and Fictions IN Anticipation of a Possible Strike- Unfortunately we’re still seeing misinformation from UW Labor Relations about what is and is not allowed in anticipation of a possible strike. We have already covered most of these issues in our FAQ and on Mailbag (both on linktree) but since Admin continues to send emails, we’re re-addressing some of the most common problems here:

ALT UW Admin says: “State law doesn’t grant public employees the right to strike.” - UW Admin has said this many times over the years when a strike is being contemplated, and it is tiresome and misleading.The truth is that the statute governing RSE and postdoc collective bargaining neither prohibits strikes by public employees nor grants the express right to strike. Many public sector unions in Washington—including our own—can and do hold strike authorization votes and go on strike. Recent examples include K-12 teachers in the Seattle School District, and at UW, Librarians and Press Staff. As with all other union action, our solidarity and willingness to be public is our best protection: there is strength in numbers. -

ALT UW Admin says: “Managers and supervisors are responsible for knowing if their direct reports are working as scheduled. If you are unsure if your direct reports are working as scheduled, please email your team member and include: A subject line that indicates “response required” and “time sensitive.” Clear language that indicates the purpose of the email and the consequence of not responding by close of business. Suggested text: "You are required to respond to this email by 5 p.m., confirming that you have been working as scheduled today. Failure to respond or acknowledge this request will result in the entry of unauthorized unpaid time off in Workday." As a reminder, the time sheet approval deadline for the June 1st-15th pay period is June 20th at 9pm. Any unpaid time off should be entered by this date.”

ALT UW Admin says: “Last Thursday [May 25th), we met with UAW and the PERC mediator to discuss the reported rumors of the union’s ability to levy fines or sue UAW members for not taking part in strike activities. UAW leadership confirmed that they aren’t the source of this misinformation, however, were not willing to communicate directly to reassure their members uninterested in striking.” This is flatly false. Not only were we unable to verify anything resembling this kind of information coming from anyone other than management, we also *did* communicate about this. Here is language from our Mailbag which has been distributed in every email since May 25th. “Sometimes employers will try and create suspicion about large-scale actions like striking by claiming that participants were coerced or forced into participating by a third party. our power comes from voluntary majority participation. There are no fines or monetary penalties against people who choose not to strike.”