Residential Roofing Strike - FAQ

What can and can’t our members do on picket lines?

The right to strike is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms under the freedom of association (section 2(d)). The purpose of a strike is to exert economic pressure on an employer to agree to better the terms and conditions of employment. As part of this, workers (and the Unions that represent them) are allowed to set up and maintain picket lines to persuade other people not to do work for, or do business with, the employer.

However, lawful picketing is for communication only. The picket line must be peaceful and cannot be used to forcibly prevent people from entering or exiting an employer’s premises. Threats, intimidation, or physical altercations do not belong on a picket line. Our membership should not engage in arguments and should avoid confrontations.

Our membership and business representative’s safety is of the utmost importance. We need to be looking after one another on the line.

How long can vehicles be stopped/slowed down from entering a property?

Use your best judgment. So long as we are not unreasonably interfering with access or egress to the job site or business or preventing employees from getting to and from work, then we are conducting a lawful picket / information line. Do not swarm vehicles entering or leaving the job. Do not block vehicles indefinitely or force access.

Where can we set up picket lines and what can we bring?

Picketing can occur at job sites where struck work is being performed, and entrances to those job sites. Always remain on public areas surrounding the job site. As a general rule, there should be not picketing on private property or in the streets.

Bring flyers/leaflets to hand out informing the public of why we are on strike. Hand them out. Engage in brief enthusiastic conversation with those you are handing them to and attempt to educate them as to why we are on the picket line and why we have withdrawn our services. Bring food and water and make sure you stay hydrated.

You should of course bring picket signs and display them proudly but make sure that the messages on them do not contain threats, slurs or other forms of harassment.

Can we block access to a workplace?

No. Peaceful persuasion is lawful – physical obstruction is not. You may speak to people entering and exiting, but you may not prevent access or cause safety issues.

What kind of behaviour is prohibited?

No violence, threats, vandalism, trespassing or hate speech.

What should I do if I’m filmed or provoked?

Assume you’re being recorded at all times. Stay calm and attempt to de-escalate the situation or identify your picket captain and let him/her handle the situation.

What should I do if the police arrive?

In the event that we are approached by law enforcement we must all be cooperative and take direction from them. Do not argue and remain calm and respectful.

Who do I contact if something goes wrong?

Speak to your picket captain or call your Union Rep. We will support you and provide guidance.

STAY STRONG. STAY UNITED. STAY LAWFUL.

Your conduct on the picket line reflects on all of us. Let’s make our voices heard – respectfully and powerfully.