One of the most common questions we get is: “Do we have the right to strike?”
The short answer is yes, we can strike, but it’s important to understand how that works, especially as public sector employees.
Unlike private sector workers, public employees in Washington State do not have a legal right to strike. This means, if we go on strike, the employer can take legal action to stop us. Usually, this looks like the employer filing a court-ordered injunction, asking a judge to force the union to end the strike. That legal process takes a few days at the absolute minimum, so any strike would last at least that long, but if the injunction is granted, we would be legally required to stop striking.
However, that doesn’t stop us from striking again almost immediately… read on and we’ll cover how that process works.
So what does it mean when our contract says “nothing in this agreement grants you the right to strike”? That language reflects the law, but it doesn’t remove our ability to take action. It simply clarifies that the right to strike doesn’t come from the contract itself.
Under our international union’s constitution (UFCW) (https://www.wpea.org/uploads/7/0/4/9/70496281/2023_constitution_-_english.pdf) , we can only strike in connection with a contract vote. That means, if members want to strike, we must first send out a ballot that includes two questions:
1. Do you approve or reject the contract offer?
2. Do you authorize a strike?
If a majority of voters authorize a strike, that gives us the legal authority within the union to take action. The strike wouldn’t happen immediately. We would take time to plan with stewards and members to decide what kind of action makes the most sense for your unit: how long, how visible, how disruptive.
If the employer files an injunction and we’re forced to stop, we can send out another vote and strike again. This back and forth has not been tested much, but it is legally valid and would be a headache for the employer.
What About Strike Pay?
Two main financial supports may be available:
- UFCW Strike Fund: Starts disbursing funds 8 days after the strike begins. The dispersal amount is set by the UFCW Executive Committee and must be requested after a strike vote.
- Unemployment Benefits: A recent Washington law allows striking workers to apply for unemployment starting the second Sunday after the strike begins.
The challenge? If we are forced to stop striking before those timelines are met, we might not qualify for either benefit. However, because UFCW oversees the strike fund, they may offer flexibility. We help to fill the strike fund through our dues, and UFCW has a direct interest in protecting us.
So Can We Strike?
Yes. Absolutely. But striking takes more than a vote. It takes preparation, unity, and a clear plan. Our power comes from acting together, and when we do, even the legal limits on public sector strikes cannot silence us.
But before we strike, we have to be strike-ready. If you’re wondering what it means to be truly strike-ready, read the next article.
What Does It Mean to Be Strike-Ready?
Striking takes more than a vote. It takes people who are aware, willing, and prepared. A successful strike requires the majority of employees to know it is happening, understand the reasons, and be ready to act. That kind of readiness does not appear overnight. It is built through steady organizing, strong relationships, and clear communication.
Right now, communication is our biggest challenge. We have email addresses for about half of our members. Only a third have signed up for texts. And just 10% are on Discord, which is the communication platform where the real organizing power lives.
If we called a strike today, many members would not know. They might show up to work and unknowingly cross the picket line. Even one person crossing that line can weaken a strike.
A strike only works when everyone knows, everyone shows up, and no one is left behind.
That is why becoming strike-ready starts with communication. For you, that means helping ensure every co-worker in your unit has a way to stay informed. Of all our tools, Discord is the most powerful. It lets members talk directly with each other, across worksites and bargaining units. It is private, secure, and supports both chat and video without waiting on staff or a meeting room.
We will help you get others connected. Need flyers for bulletin boards? Business cardsor paper fans for desk drops? Want to host a BBQ? We can provide the materials. WPEA will pay for the food, bring the grill and tables, and run a raffle. Anyone who signs up for Discord and verifies their identity is entered to win union gear and prizes. That is how we grow the network.
Still, no one wants to log in to a space that only talks about stress and low wages. To make it sustainable, we need to build community around the things that bring us joy, not just the work we do, but the hobbies and interests that define us.
That is why we created Discord channels for members to share and connect through books, video games, knitting, hunting, sports, music, and more. In the sports channel, you might start a fantasy football league. In the books channel, launch a book club. In knitting, share a pattern and post your finished work.
We do not build strike-readiness by reminding people of what they are fighting against. We build it by reminding them what they are fighting for… each other.
So when the call goes out on Discord that it is time to strike, you grab your blue shirt, give a thumbs-up to the post, and check in with your WPEA friends. You ask where to meet and how to help.
Because strikes are not led by staff or stewards alone. They are powered by small groups of people who know each other, trust each other, and show up.
If you want to become strike-ready, start with five friends. Five WPEA members on Discord who share your interests or values. When the time comes, your pod will be ready and no one will be left behind.
