UAW strike: What employees need to know if they're still working when contract expires

UAW tells members to prepare to strike

UAW and Big Three contacts expire at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. If the automakers and union still haven't reached a deal by then, a strike begins.

DETROIT (FOX 2) - If the United Auto Workers and Big Three don't reach a deal on Thursday, workers will strike, but not everyone will be on strike immediately.

UAW President Shawn Fain said it will be a "Stand Up Strike," meaning that only a few Locals will strike at first, and more may join depending on how negotiations are going.

MORE: What to know as union, automaker negotiations continue

This means that employees who are not striking will be working without a contract agreement.

The UAW has put out guidance for these employees.

Here's what to know:

What expires when the contract expires

The UAW said the companies cannot change terms and conditions of employment, except that the companies no longer need to arbitrate disputes.

Companies cannot fire the employees who are working without a contract for no reason nor reduce their wages and benefits, and the grievance process still applies.

After 11:59 p.m. Thursday, these expire:

Arbitration (but not the grievance procedure)
Management Rights
Union security (but not dues checkoff)
No strike/no lockout

What to do while working under an expired contract

Report any changes in terms and conditions of employment to committee person
Refuse voluntary overtime
Attend Local Union meetings

What not to do when working under an expired contract

Work more slowly or refuse to do job duties
Confront, argue, or threaten anyone if there is a dispute
Damage company property.

How employees can protect themselves

Carefully follow all standard operating procedures, safety policies, and supervisor’s instructions.
Call for a committee person if they are disciplined, asked to do work they are not trained to do, or asked to do work that is unsafe.