⟩ Explain must there be a strike or lock-out vote before a strike or lock-out can take place?
Yes, a strike or lock-out vote taken by secret ballot must precede any strike or lock-out action. All employees in the bargaining unit are entitled to vote, and a majority must vote in favour in order for the declaration of a strike or lock-out to be made. A lock-out vote is only necessary where an employers' organization is involved.
A vote to ratify the employer's offer under the proposed collective agreement and a strike vote may be combined together on a single ballot.
