Returning to Work Question and Answer — Union Membership
One question we are addressing is this: If I cross the picket the line and return to my job, will I be terminated when the strike ends because the union will refuse me membership?
The answer is “no.” Employees who return to work during the strike cannot be terminated based on the fact that they are no longer union members when the strike ends.
In fact, you have a right to choose to work, and you have a right to choose whether or not to be a member of the union. The union is not able to cause termination based on your membership status.
In the state of Pennsylvania, employees who do not join the union can be required to pay a portion of the dues that are only necessary for representation, but employees do not need to become a member.
If you work in Tennessee, Nebraska, or Michigan, you are in a “right to work” state, so you cannot be forced to be a member of the Union or to pay any dues as a condition of your employment.
See our Return to Work FAQs here.