Having the option of striking, and the support of other union members provides powerful leverage at the negotiation table. However, strikes are a last resort, to be considered only when employees agree their conditions are intolerable and the employer is unwilling to rectify the situation.  Wages lost during a prolonged strike are unlikely to be recovered, so this step should be taken only in extremely adverse situations.

Patients are never left in danger due to a strike.

Employees make the decision to strike, or not strike, and when to end strikes.

UFCW Constitution requires a 2/3 vote of employees represented by the contract for a strike. The vote is by secret ballot.

Every year, more than 1,500 contracts are negotiated by UFCW without strikes.

More than 98% of all union contracts are negotiated without strikes.

The only strike by UFCW  represented RNs occurred in protest to short staffing.

By law, health care employees have the right to strike but must adhere to specific conditions in addition to those required of workers in other lines of work.

Health care units are required to give a thirty day notice and ten day notice before a strike. During this period, negotiations continue with a federal mediator.

Notification allows administrators to arrange for patient transport to other facilities, cancellation of elective procedures, and diversion of emergencies.

Informational picketing: During this process, nurses continue to work their regular shifts and picket only during their off-hours.  This is effective because it brings attention to the plight of nurses, a PR nightmare for hospitals.  It also rallies community support and the support of other union members.

The only strike by UFCW  represented RNs
occurred in protest to short staffing.