To prevent Income Support being used to financially subsidize persons involved in labour conflicts and creating the perception that government supports a specific side in the labour dispute or is helping prolong the labour conflict.

POLICY

Persons on Strike
As a general rule, persons on strike are not eligible for Income Support (IS) with the following exceptions:

1. For recipients who are receiving a supplement to earnings, the original amount of the supplement to existing recipients’ earnings is continued.

    

2. Applicants who are unable to provide for their dependant(s) are issued the food portion of the Core Essential benefit for the household unit only in a circumstance where there is risk of Children’s Services involvement. Applicants substantiate this need by making a verbal statement and by signing the EMP 3428 Income Support Application. If the applicant receives income (e.g., strike pay) proof of the amount must be provided.

Food is provided on a week-by-week basis only.

Persons Locked Out
Persons locked out by the employer are treated the same as persons on strike.

Persons Refusing to Cross Another Group’s Picket Lines
Persons refusing to cross another group’s picket lines are treated the same as persons on strike.

Persons Unemployed as a Result of Strike Action by another Group
Persons affected by the strike action of another group may apply for benefits. The requirement to seek and accept employment applies. Clients substantiate they are willing to seek and accept employment by signing a Service Plan.