When union contracts expire and there is no new contract, can you continue under the existing contract indefinitely?

Usually, you don’t extend the negotiation time without an agreement that everything will continue as is until the new contract is negotiated. Some companies have gone years like this. However, the company could, at any time, unilaterally decide to change things, since there is, technically, no contract in place. They might have to do some legal mumbo-jumbo to do that, but I’m not sure.

Of course, the workers have the right to do what they often have to do to get a contract: strike. And, also of course, strikes are very risky tactics in a recession. You may have to give back a lot to get a contract now. However, it might be worth it for stable employment.

the county i work in has a clause that if there’s no new contract when old contract expires, we continue as is indefinitely. we just went three years with old contract expired.

All depends on negotiations and your union. Oh, and your old contract. So you would need to talk to your union rep or union shop steward.

just look in your old contract book and it will tell you.

That is if your not like my husband and lose the book within the first week of getting it. GRRR

cooksalot: the union should have another one for him, also maybe it can be found at the union’s website.

LOL! I just make him ask the shop steward. It’s just easier that way. After all he has to go to them to get a new book anyway. Besides that book for the CWA Union could take a few trees to make. LOL!