Understanding Work Stoppages
A work stoppage has implications for both AdvanSix and our hourly employees
If the company and unions do not reach an agreement before the current contract expires on May 14, there are many different possibilities of what may happen. Typically, one of the following occurs:
the parties continue to negotiate and employees continue to work under the expired collective bargaining agreement (CBA);
the parties agree to extend the CBA for a specified time while they continue to negotiate;
some form of work stoppage takes place, either as a result of action by the union (a strike) or by the company (a lockout).
What Happens to Your Pay and Benefits During a Work Stoppage?
Pay:
You will not receive any wages from AdvanSix. If offered by your union, you may be eligible for union strike benefits provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
Unemployment:
Employees who are not working as a result of a “labor dispute” (i.e. employees who are on strike or are locked out) are not eligible to collect unemployment benefits under Virginia law. See Virginia Code 60.2-612(A)(2).
Overtime:
In addition to not being paid wages for missed work while on strike, you also will miss the opportunity for overtime pay.
Retirement:
401(k) contributions – both yours and AdvanSix’s – are stopped since you will not have eligible earnings.
Paid Time Off:
You will not accrue vacation while on strike.
Health Care:
Your health care coverage will be terminated. If applicable, you will be provided with a COBRA notice regarding your rights to elect to continue coverage and applicable rates.
Supplemental Voluntary Benefit Elections including Long Term Disability, Voluntary Employee, Spousal or Child Life:
Because you will not receive pay from AdvanSix, you may be required to pay any premium payments out of pocket to ensure continued coverage.
Can I cross the picket line and continue working?
If there is a strike, you can choose not to participate and continue working during the strike. Pursuant to federal labor law, you have a right to strike as well as a right not to strike. Whether you choose to work during a strike is entirely up to you.
Virginia is a “right to work” state, meaning that you do not have to be a union member to work at the Chesterfield plant. If you are a union member, and you choose to work during a strike, you may wish to consider resigning your union membership before you report to work to avoid potential union fines and discipline. You should contact your union for more information regarding your rights and obligations in that regard.
Also, if there is a strike, and you wish to continue working, you should contact HR before reporting to work so the Company will know to expect you.