STRIKE FAQs: 2022
We all hope a strike can be averted, but it is possible that one will be necessary. In the event that a strike is called, it is important for everyone to know the answers to the following questions.
How do I find out what’s happening?
The best place for up to date news is our website, http://www.rideraaup.net. Information about the progress of negotiations and preparations for a work action will be sent in a weekly email blast to the membership and available on the web site. You can also follow us on Facebook - Rider Aaup , Instagram - rider_aaup, and twitter - Rider_AAUP.
I would like to volunteer my services in the event of a strike. What type of help is needed, and who do I contact?
Bargaining unit members are expected to sign up to picket in the event of a strike. Those wishing to do more can volunteer their services as a picket shift captain or the action committee. When necessary, the Action Committee will also reach out for volunteers to paint picket signs.
What work stops during a strike?
All work that you do as a bargaining-unit member: teaching, coaching, library service, tutoring, instrumental and voice lessons, choral directing, conducting reading clinics, advising individual students and student organizations, committee work, supervision of student teaching, etc. Please note that “virtual teaching” — communicating with students online, grading or sending assignments — also must be suspended.
I am not tenured. Could I face retaliation for picketing or otherwise supporting the union?
No. You are protected by law from retaliation.
If we strike, will I lose pay?
In most strikes in higher education, salaried employees do not lose annual pay if they complete their yearly workload obligation.
What will happen to other benefits?
In the initial days of a strike, health benefits generally continue. Your health coverage can be stopped only if you are advised in writing and offered the opportunity to pay for it yourself. Other benefits, such as tuition remission checks, are likely to be suspended.
Can I get into my office?
No. Since one cannot get on campus without crossing a picket line, you should plan ahead of time to remove from your office any materials you need. Back up computer files if you plan to work at home; bring home whatever you think you will need during the strike. University property should be left in the office.
What arrangements are being made for security during a strike? Will equipment in classrooms, labs and practice rooms be safe?
The administration basically has three paths it can try to follow: (1) In the “Business as usual” ploy, it will maintain that the strike is having little effect, that education is continuing and that X percent of the faculty are meeting their classes despite the strike. In this case, classrooms and labs may be accessible to students, so you may want to take precautions. Be aware that there is a small possibility that a “scab” or administrator will be brought in to teach your course. You may wish to safeguard teaching materials and computer files in your office and lab. (2) In the “We’ll settle this quickly” ploy, classroom buildings will probably be locked with no pretense of education continuing. (3) In the “We’re closing the college” ploy, the administration will tire of feeding, housing and managing thousands of restless students and send them home. In this event, all campus buildings are likely to be quite heavily secured.
In some cases, arrangements can be made to maintain the health of any laboratory animals or plants under your care.
Will my e-mail service be interrupted?
The administration may choose to block access to e-mail accounts. While this move is unlikely, you should be aware of the possibility and figure out an alternative way to stay connected. In the unlikely event that university gmail is disabled we suggest you monitor the Rider AAUP website and/or social media for information.
What do I tell students before a strike?
Tell the students that during a walkout, you will not be in class or otherwise at their service, but they should continue to follow the syllabus and keep up with assigned reading. If students want further information, refer them to the AAUP Web site, http://www.rideraaup.net or any of the social media outlets, which will have the latest news on the negotiation process.
How do I find out what’s happening?
The best place for up to date news is our website, http://www.rideraaup.net. Information about the progress of negotiations and preparations for a work action will be sent in a weekly email blast to the membership and available on the web site. You can also follow us on Facebook - Rider Aaup , Instagram - rider_aaup, and twitter - Rider_AAUP.
I would like to volunteer my services in the event of a strike. What type of help is needed, and who do I contact?
Bargaining unit members are expected to sign up to picket in the event of a strike. Those wishing to do more can volunteer their services as a picket shift captain or the action committee. When necessary, the Action Committee will also reach out for volunteers to paint picket signs.
What work stops during a strike?
All work that you do as a bargaining-unit member: teaching, coaching, library service, tutoring, instrumental and voice lessons, choral directing, conducting reading clinics, advising individual students and student organizations, committee work, supervision of student teaching, etc. Please note that “virtual teaching” — communicating with students online, grading or sending assignments — also must be suspended.
I am not tenured. Could I face retaliation for picketing or otherwise supporting the union?
No. You are protected by law from retaliation.
If we strike, will I lose pay?
In most strikes in higher education, salaried employees do not lose annual pay if they complete their yearly workload obligation.
What will happen to other benefits?
In the initial days of a strike, health benefits generally continue. Your health coverage can be stopped only if you are advised in writing and offered the opportunity to pay for it yourself. Other benefits, such as tuition remission checks, are likely to be suspended.
Can I get into my office?
No. Since one cannot get on campus without crossing a picket line, you should plan ahead of time to remove from your office any materials you need. Back up computer files if you plan to work at home; bring home whatever you think you will need during the strike. University property should be left in the office.
What arrangements are being made for security during a strike? Will equipment in classrooms, labs and practice rooms be safe?
The administration basically has three paths it can try to follow: (1) In the “Business as usual” ploy, it will maintain that the strike is having little effect, that education is continuing and that X percent of the faculty are meeting their classes despite the strike. In this case, classrooms and labs may be accessible to students, so you may want to take precautions. Be aware that there is a small possibility that a “scab” or administrator will be brought in to teach your course. You may wish to safeguard teaching materials and computer files in your office and lab. (2) In the “We’ll settle this quickly” ploy, classroom buildings will probably be locked with no pretense of education continuing. (3) In the “We’re closing the college” ploy, the administration will tire of feeding, housing and managing thousands of restless students and send them home. In this event, all campus buildings are likely to be quite heavily secured.
In some cases, arrangements can be made to maintain the health of any laboratory animals or plants under your care.
Will my e-mail service be interrupted?
The administration may choose to block access to e-mail accounts. While this move is unlikely, you should be aware of the possibility and figure out an alternative way to stay connected. In the unlikely event that university gmail is disabled we suggest you monitor the Rider AAUP website and/or social media for information.
What do I tell students before a strike?
Tell the students that during a walkout, you will not be in class or otherwise at their service, but they should continue to follow the syllabus and keep up with assigned reading. If students want further information, refer them to the AAUP Web site, http://www.rideraaup.net or any of the social media outlets, which will have the latest news on the negotiation process.