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If you are unionized and your employer is negotiating with a labor union, while you can hope for the best, you should always prepare yourself and your family for the worst.  If you and your family are facing a possible strike you should:

• Plan a budget, stick to it, save any amount over the limits.  Plan to have at least enough saved to cover 2 or 3 months of mortgage payments or rent and living expenses.
• Work overtime, bank your overtime in a separate "strike" account. 
• Arrange an automatic deposit from your paycheck directly into that account. If it’s not in your checkbook, you might not have the urge to spend it. 
• Pay off or pay down your credit card bills or other bills.
• Delay any major purchases until after your contract is settled, if it can be. Don’t buy a boat right before you go out – you’ll spend your time walking the line. 
• Save on vacations – explore the wonders of driving around your state. 
• If your contract deadline is in the summer – buy your children’s school supplies early.

About 3 months before your present contract expires: 

• Start stocking up on non-perishables, packaged foods and household cleaning items. Buy in bulk. 
• Fill your freezer with meats and frozen foods.
• Get maintenance or repairs done on vehicles or your home.
• Make sure your Doctor’s appointments or checkups are done before you go out on strike.
• Be sure you have enough medicine and other supplies on hand that you will need.
• Notify any creditors that you may be on strike for awhile –discuss rearranging your payment schedule while you are out on strike. Alerting them beforehand could prevent your credit rating from taking a beating.

 Remember to think ahead – start planning now!