Operations Impacts During Strikes

Operations Impacts in the Event of a Strike: mAY 1

AFSCME (representing the Lab’s service workers and medical assistants) and UPTE (representing the Lab’s research assistants and associates, accelerator operators, mechanical engineering technicians, radiation control technicians, and other technical support staff) have called for a 24-hour UC-systemwide strike on Thursday, May 1. This strike is related to ongoing contract negotiations and the recent UC announcement of a systemwide hiring freeze (of which the Lab is not currently included).

This means there will be changes at the Lab on May 1. While we do not know how many employees may choose to observe the strike, the Lab is preparing for reduced services in some areas.

Our number one priority is safety. We all share the Lab’s dedication to discovering scientific solutions. We ask that everyone continue to remember the Lab’s core values, particularly respect and trust, as we navigate this situation.

This site will be updated as information becomes available. Bookmark it and check back often. Additional questions and answers may be found at the University of California website.

Strike Timing

Should there be strike and picketing activity at the Lab, it will commence with all shifts that start after 12:00 a.m. at the beginning of Thursday, May 1, and last for 24 hours. Participating employees whose shifts start after 12:00 am that day will not report to work until after the strike is over. Employees who are in the midst of their shifts at that time will continue working through the regular end of their shifts and will not leave mid-shift. The strike will conclude with all shifts starting after 11:59 p.m. at the end of May 1. Striking workers whose shifts start on or after 12:00 a.m. on May 2 will report to work at the beginning of their regularly scheduled shifts on Friday. Striking employees who are scheduled to work shifts that start on or before 11:59 p.m. on May 1 will remain on strike and will not report to work mid-shift.

Gate Access

If a strike is declared, gate access for all employees and visitors will change for the duration of the strike period.

Lab staff may use the Blackberry or Grizzly Gates only for entry and exit.
Suppliers, visitors, and guests must use Blackberry Gate only for entry and exit.
Strawberry Gate is reserved for construction contractors, construction vehicles, and delivery vehicles. Berkeley Lab employees will not be permitted to enter or exit through the Strawberry Gate in a vehicle, as a pedestrian, or as a cyclist.

Lab Security will refuse entrance to those who are unable to provide a valid Berkeley Lab badge and/or valid government-issued ID at Grizzly or Blackberry gates.

Traffic delays

Traffic delays may occur at Lab gates or on UC Berkeley property, whether or not picketing occurs, due to increased security measures and the need to comply with labor laws regarding gate access and restrictions. All Lab personnel are asked to plan for delays and make safety their number one priority.

Shuttles

Shuttle routes will not be impacted; however, there may be schedule impacts. Please download and use TripShot for live shuttle information as shuttles may be delayed. Read the TripShot user guide if you are unfamiliar with the app.

Deliveries

Carriers and suppliers that will pick up and deliver in case of a strike: FedEx, Aeronet, XPO, DS Water Services, Republic Services, GSS, Airgas, City Flavor Food Services, Clean Earth, Diesel Direct West. Carriers and suppliers that may not pick up or deliver include: UPS, TrumpCard Freight, ABF, Aramark Commercial Laundry, and YRC. Please make arrangements to change your carrier or delivery location as needed. Delivery of packages will take place on site, but you may be called to pick up a package.

Additional Operations impacts

Custodial Service: Custodial services may be limited to basic services only. For urgent requests email CustodialServices@lbl.gov or call 510-486-5129.
Transportation Deliveries and Work Orders: Package delivery may be slower than normal, and you may be called to pick up a package. Work orders may be delayed.
Radiological Support: During the strike, there will be no support for radiological operations or incoming or outgoing shipments. Plan to make any radiological work safe and secure by the end of business on April 30. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the Radiation Protection Group Help Desk.
Hazardous & Biological Waste Collections: There will be no support for hazardous waste or biological waste collections during the strike. Plan to minimize the generation of hazardous and biological waste during this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the Waste Management Group Help Desk.

Additional information

Work Mode: Employees with offsite work mode agreements in place may maintain arrangements unless contingency plans require modification for any of the days of the week during which a strike occurs.
Questions: Strike-related questions should be sent to strikeinfo@lbl.gov. This account will be monitored by a team from Human Resources, Facilities, and Site Security.
Reporting concerns: If you see any safety issues or life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately. For any other incidents or concerns, contact the Lab’s Site Operations Center at 510-486-6999.
Updates: Watch for updated information in Elements, via email, at the 1-800-445-5830 status line, and on this page.

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