PocketGuard starts working as a monthly bill organizer and automatically identifies recurring expenses. Besides, PocketGuard sends an email listing all bill providers you can lower every month.

MY STRIKE ORGANISER

A SURVIVAL MANUAL FOR WORKERS ON STRIKE OR LOCKED OUT

Strikes can be stressful situations and workers need to stick together in these tough times. The union puts aside a percentage of membership dues towards a strike fund, and while this fund is in the millions, the amount per member is not substantial. We can’t live on strike pay alone. It is designed only to help supplement savings and other sources of income during a work stoppage. Obviously, the union could not sustain a strike of any length if it was to make up the total wage loss of its members. That means every member should be planning ways to get through the difficult times ahead and should put aside extra money for mortgages, rent, and postpone major purchases.

Tips for Members on budgeting for a Strike

Prior to being on strike, it may not have been necessary to follow a formal budget for your household spending. However, now you will probably need to control where you spend every penny. It is important to remember that only members who perform strike duties, or other authorized activities will receive strike pay. Members who choose not to perform strike duties will not receive strike pay. A good place to start is to list all your monthly financial commitments. Put down your monthly income and divide it up according to your commitments. If you do not have enough money to make ends meet, you may have to cut expenses. If you still cannot make ends meet, it’s time to ask if you can make special financial arrangements in the following areas –utilities, telephone, taxes, car loans, credit cards, and any other monthly bills you might have. The key is to talk to your creditors. The worst thing you can do is to hide, or miss payments, not answer the phone or make promises you cannot keep.

Here are some suggestions for specific items:

Auto and Home Insurance – contact the insurance agents and discuss ways to spread out the monthly premiums.

Car Loans – try to defer your loan payment, or discuss with the loan officer the possibility of refinancing to reduce the size of payment.

Credit Cards – find out what the minimum payments are to keep your account current. Avoid using your credit cards. You may owe money already and it would worsen the situation if you increase your debt load at this time.

Mortgage or Rent – Whether you have rent to pay or mortgage payments to make, try to make any reasonable arrangements you can before the payment date. During a strike, it's sometimes possible to negotiate with banks or credit unions to only pay the interest on the loan.

Property Taxes – call the taxation office in your municipality to find out if payment can be delayed and how much the penalties will be.

Utilities – information regarding utilities

Contact the utility office (electricity, gas, oil, etc.) you may be able to pay part of the bill and spread payments out.

It is almost always impossible to make arrangements with utility companies. These suppliers will cut off service when you are late in paying your accounts. You generally will have at least a one-month grace period. They will usually charge you a hook-up fee once you have been disconnected and, in some cases, require a deposit.

If you are having trouble meeting your financial commitments, seek debt counseling. You do not want to destroy your credit rating for the future. Speak to someone from your union local executive for suggestions on how to approach your bank or other creditors (examples of these letters are included below). Many financial institutions will accommodate you in this situation.

Develop networks with your colleagues, friends and family to support each other. If you are concerned about serious financial distress in the event of a strike, talk to your local or social steward for a list of resources that might be available.

Sample Letter to a Creditor

Dear (Name of Creditor):

Due to (explain reason) I am experiencing financial difficulty and am asking you to accept a reduced payment for (give period of time). At that time, I hope to (have my other bills paid – be back at work – have found a part time job).

I would appreciate your consideration in this matter, as I am not able to meet the regular payment of _____. I request that you accept ________ per month during this emergency.

Please do not place my account in the hand of a collection agency. I wish to deal with you directly. Would you consider withholding interest on my account? I do not wish to go further in debt. I have been a customer of your organization for _____ years and have always paid my bills on time.

I will resume regular payments as soon as possible and will notify you immediately when I find out when this will be.

Sincerely,

Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Credit Account Number