scared of losing my approval

i work for the so cal gas co, i dont know if any of you have heard but we may go on strike as early as midnight on 1/31, our contract ends that day and the union has been fighting with the company over the new contract for months now.  if there is no new contract on the table by that day there will be a lapse in my benefits and who knows how long it will take to resolve the issues if we do go on strike. I just cant imagine being this close(actually having a date) only to have to start all over again. Not to mention once on strike... there is no guarantee we will have a job when we come back, Lord knows there are plenty of people w/out jobs who would love to do my job for HALF of what i make (that would still be well above minimum wage)....i feel soooo depressed by this.

just had to get this off my chest.

Seriously, that sucks!  I'm sorry!  I hope everything works out for the best!

Hang in there girlie! The hospital I work at recently was facing a stike. Our contract ended last May and we just ratified a new contract a few weeks ago. We did not have a lapse of benefits in regards to insurance coverage and things like that. I know each work place is different, but check it out and don't get discouraged!

thanks  for the encouraging words...tomorrow is the last day of our extension and still no word of a new contract. Rumors are flying and people are going nuts deciding whether or not to cross picket lines (myself included), i cant afford to lose pay and i surely cant afford to be replaced entirely. ahhhhh

I think you will find alot more people may cross those lines....just becasue none of us can lose the pay...I know I would most likely cross just because I can't afford any loss of income

exactly, thats what i am leaning towards...i just have to do what is right for me and my situation! besides that, i voted NO on the strike authorization...why should i be forced to picket if i didnt agree we should do it in the first place.
i just feel like the state of the economy is dictating how many waves i make...and i have a great job with great pay...why would anyone risk that?! Now rumors are flying that union reps will not support us or come to our aid in the future if we cross lines....wtf??? i pay my union dues...i DESERVE representation.

update: i found out today that i will be just fine for surgery, i guess medical is paid on monday for the entire month of february and if by change we do strike and still happen to be on strike by march...although the company wont pay that months medical we are still covered for one month AFTER losing coverage...SO my date of 3/6 is still good!!! that is such a weight off of my shoulders!!

well thats good...and I have worked for unions they can threaten all they want but they will be there.....so i would tell them to just shove it...its their fight they want they can do it without you if thats what you choose.

good luck with everything