Return to work date and time
Q: When do we return to work?
A: The strike ends Tuesday, 2/24 at 7:00 a.m. (PST and HST). The Union informed Kaiser that we will be returning to work unconditionally starting then. Kaiser is currently assessing how to arrange for an orderly return. If you have a regular schedule, follow that schedule unless your manager directs otherwise. If you don’t have a regular schedule, or your schedule wasn’t posted at the beginning of the strike, contact your manager to work out specific details.
Q: I’m scheduled earlier than 7:00 a.m. (example: 6:00 a.m.). Should I go in at my regular start time?
A: No. If you go in before 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, you would technically be crossing the line. Contact your manager about your schedule.
Q: Do I need manager approval or a message to return?
A: No, the Union has informed Kaiser that we will return to work unconditionally, which means that your individual manager does not get to approve those decisions. However, unless you have a regular schedule and know you are supposed to work tomorrow, you should work out with your manager exactly when you return to work. If your manager does not put you back on the schedule within 5 days, let your union rep know. Document your efforts.
Q: If I don’t hear from my manager, do I still go in?
A: You should expect communication from your manager or a widespread Kaiser message, but if you don’t receive anything, reach out to your manager and confirm reporting for your regularly scheduled shift. Document your efforts.
Q: Do we have to message our managers or can we just show up if we’re scheduled?
A: You can just show up if you’re on the schedule, but it doesn’t hurt to contact your manager to confirm.
Q: Is there a generic message we should send management?
A: Reach out to your manager and let them know you’re ready to return on Tuesday or on your regularly scheduled days.
Suggested message members can use (based on the guidance shared):
“Hi [Manager Name], I’m confirming I’m ready to return to work now that the strike ends Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7:00 a.m. I plan to report for my next regularly scheduled shift. Please confirm any updates to my schedule.”
The “5 days” rule
Q: Is it true the employer has 5 days to bring us back?
A: Yes. Because we were on an unfair labor practice strike, the employer has up to 5 days starting Tuesday to return members to work; if they exceed that, they may face penalties.
Q: If management says I can’t come back for a few days, is that unpaid time? Can I use PTO/ETO?
A: You cannot use PTO/ETO during that time, because members are technically still treated as on strike during the employer’s return-to-work window.
Q: My manager can keep me out up to 5 days—is that a lockout?
A: No, under NLRB case law regarding unfair labor practice strikes, employers must return ULP strikers as soon as reasonable, which has been interpreted to mean within 5 days; after that, it is possible that it becomes a lockout.
If you are sick, have another job, or can’t report
Q: I’m scheduled but I’m sick—what should I do? Will I be penalized?
A: Contact your manager and let them know you’re sick and may not be able to report. (Town hall guidance emphasized manager communication.)
Q: What if I can’t work tomorrow because I have another job?
A: Contact your manager and work out the details of your return.
Q: If my manager doesn’t contact me and I don’t show up tomorrow, can I get in trouble?
A: Contact your manager and document your efforts. If you’re scheduled, you must return (or communicate why you cannot) to avoid attendance issues. If your manager does not respond, make sure that you have done what you are supposed to do and that you have documented your efforts.
What “unconditional return to work” means
Q: What does “unconditional return to work” mean?
A: It means the union is offering that everyone returns to work at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, with no additional conditions attached.
Q: What does “conditional” mean?
A: In contrast, the explanation given was simply that the current offer is unconditional (return at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday and nothing else).
Q: Can we choose to stay out on strike until an agreement is reached?
A: No, the bargaining teams voted unanimously to end the strike and to return to work. If an individual chooses to stay out, that could lead to attendance issues because those absences are not officially sanctioned.
Q: Could only the tables without agreements keep striking?
A: The bargaining committees have already voted and determined it was best for all members to return at the same time and continue bargaining.
Q: What if my manager gives me attitude, hassles me, or changes my schedule unfairly?
A: Contact your local Steward, Officer, or Staff Rep.
Contract / bargaining status (high-level)
Q: Do we have a contract right now—YES or NO?
A: No—you remain in status quo while bargaining continues. The expired contract remains in place (with a few exceptions), and the terms and conditions in that contract control our work when we return.
NOTE: We will post additional questions and answers as they become available.
