Announce an Imminent Strike (Labor's Announcement) • Example Letters, Guides and Samples

Guides

This is serious letter that addresses grievances, demands, and conditions that are all part of the strike process. Write it in a direct, no nonsense tone that shows resolve, understanding, and willingness to work.

How to write this announcement letter:

  1. State when the strike will begin and why it is being called.
  2. Explain under what conditions employees will return to work.
  3. Explain that striking is the last resort, and that you would prefer to return to work as soon as the issues have been resolved.

Example Letter #1

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Since management has refused to negotiate in good faith regarding changes in retirement benefits, we have no other recourse than to begin our strike at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, March 15. We will remain on strike until an agreement is reached that will not penalize the families of those who die before retirement.

As difficult as a strike is on everyone, it is far more difficult for a family that is relying on a breadwinner's retirement to have it taken away. Our case is strong, and we hope to return to work soon. It is important that we show a united front in this issue that will affect many of our families.

Example Letter #2

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After negotiations broke down last night, union members voted to go on strike at midnight tonight. Demands yet to be met include a benefits package featuring an increase in medical benefits, a pay increase to bring Doe mechanics in line with other mechanics in the industry, and two additional paid holidays per year. Management has offered only a $1.50 an hour increase across the board. The union is willing to continue negotiations. As soon as we reach a tentative agreement, union members will vote again. We hope these issues will be resolved quickly so that we can resume work.

Example Letter #3

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Because management refuses to revise the terms of our contract, Local 1234 has no choice but to announce a strike, effective immediately. If management agrees to restore dental insurance benefits and to add reasonable periodical cost-of-living wage increases, the union is ready to recommend acceptance of the rest of the contract. Our position is sound and we hope to see speedy resolution to these outstanding issues, so that we may again provide the kind of excellent work and efficiency Local 1234 members are known for.

Write Your Letter Step-by-Step

1 State when the strike will begin and why it is being called.

Sample Sentences for Step 1
  • Since agreement has not been reached with management regarding our contract for the next year, Local Union 13 will go on strike beginning 6:00 a.m., July 31.
  • Because management has not been willing to discuss the safety concerns we have brought to them, a strike action has been authorized to begin on June 1.
  • Since management is not willing to compromise, and at least consider the demands we put forth, we have no recourse other than to strike, effective midnight, Saturday, July 31.
  • Until the issues we presented to management can be satisfactorily resolved, we have no alternative but to strike, beginning midnight, July 31.
  • Members of Local 1234 are on strike as of this notice, pending successful negotiations on our new work contract.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
  • are on strike as of
  • as you are no doubt aware
  • because management has not
  • can be satisfactorily resolved
  • has not been willing to address
  • has been no agreement
  • have no recourse other than to strike
  • have no alternative but to
  • have not been productive
  • issues we have presented to
  • not willing to compromise
  • pending further negotiations on
  • regarding our contract for
  • since agreement has not been reached
  • strike action has been authorized
  • talks with management have
  • the strike will begin on
  • the concerns we have taken to
  • unwilling to make concessions
  • will go on strike starting
  • will not consider our demands
  • are hereby notified that

2 Explain under what conditions employees will return to work.

Sample Sentences for Step 2
  • We are willing to return to work as soon as we receive confirmation of medical insurance that extends beyond the workplace.
  • Arbitration will continue until we receive satisfaction on two demands:
    1. a 10% pay increase
    2. removal of toxic waste from the work site
  • We are ready to return to work as soon as we receive an increase of $.75 per hour for our members.
  • If management agrees to binding arbitration we should be able to resolve the issues of work hours, medical insurance, and educational opportunities for employees.
  • The demands that remain on the table include (1) a pay increase of $.75 per hour, and (2) an increased employer contribution to medical insurance.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
  • again provide the excellent level of service
  • agree to binding arbitration
  • arbitration will continue until
  • are willing to return to work as soon as
  • as soon as we can come to an agreement
  • cannot capitulate at this point
  • concede essential elements of
  • demands that remain on the table
  • give serious consideration to
  • in an effort to resolve our
  • our reasonable demands
  • pending negotiations on our
  • ready to return to work
  • receive satisfaction
  • receive the increase we
  • receive confirmation of
  • reopening of negotiations
  • resolve our major issues
  • safe work environment
  • should be able to resolve the issues
  • submit to binding arbitration
  • until we can reach agreement
  • when we have resolved these issues

3 Explain that striking is the last resort, and that you would prefer to return to work as soon as the issues have been resolved.

Sample Sentences for Step 3
  • We regret having to take this measure, and we hope to return to work soon.
  • Although we prefer to work, we deem this action necessary to ensure the future good health and livelihood of our members. We trust that management will recognize the need and respond quickly.
  • We had hoped to avoid this action, and we know this disagreement will cause hardship for everyone. We hope the issues will be settled soon, so we can all get back to work.
  • We are confident that we can settle these issues soon and put this unfortunate, but necessary, action behind us.
  • As difficult as a strike is on everyone, we know that in the long run the gains will be worth it. We are working hard to achieve our goals and return to work as soon as possible.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
  • arbitration will continue
  • are working hard to achieve our goals
  • as difficult as a strike is
  • can be satisfactorily resolved
  • can all get back to work
  • confident that this will have the desired effect
  • had hoped to avoid this action
  • have tried to avoid this measure
  • have done everything in our power to
  • hope the issues will be settled soon
  • hope to return to work soon
  • in the long run
  • prefer to work
  • put this action behind us
  • regret having to take this measure
  • return to work as soon as possible
  • strike is hard on everyone
  • the gains will be worth it
  • this action is necessary to
  • to ensure the future livelihood of our members
  • trust that management will respond
  • unfortunate but necessary
  • will make every effort to help