Strikes

If a client is on strike, Jobseeker Support is not generally payable.

Examples of strikes include:

• withdrawal of labour where the union/workplace refuses to undertake any further work until their demands are met
• members continue to work but reduce their output below what is usually accepted as normal until such time as demands have been met

Local decisions are to be made jointly by the regional director and the manager client service delivery as to whether the clients are on strike. When the decision is made those union members cannot get Jobseeker Support.

There can be several unions at one workplace with only one union going on strike. Members of the non-striking union, even though they may lose their employment, are not considered to be on strike and can get Jobseeker Support.

If a striker has been suspended or dismissed from their employment, see below:

There are many reasons why employers suspend striking employees.

Some examples of these are:

• to avoid paying holiday pay or
• due to misconduct

There is still no eligibility for Jobseeker Support for these clients.

Strikers dismissed from their employment can get Jobseeker Support, however they can face a 13 week non-entitlement period for being voluntarily unemployed depending on the circumstances.

For more information see:

• Voluntary unemployment or dismissal for misconduct

You can pay the Jobseeker Support to an employee who is not on strike if they are suspended because no work is available as a result of an industrial dispute.

You need to be aware that in some situations, employees who are not on strike may withdraw their labour in sympathy or support. Because they have voluntarily withdrawn their labour, they too are considered on strike and cannot get Jobseeker Support.