Hit The Bricks§
Definition§
“Hit the bricks” is a colloquial term commonly used to describe employees going on strike against their employer. This typically occurs as a form of protest regarding labor conditions, wages, benefits, or other employment-related disagreements.
Examples§
- Unionized Factory Workers: Factory workers coordinated by their union decide to “hit the bricks” to protest management’s decision to cut health benefits.
- Teachers: Teachers in a public school system “hit the bricks” to demand higher wages and better funding for classroom resources.
- Transit Workers: Transit workers “hit the bricks” to push back against proposed layoffs and changes to their work schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)§
What triggers employees to “hit the bricks”?§
- Employees might “hit the bricks” due to unsatisfactory working conditions, insufficient pay, poor benefits, or unfair treatment.
Who organizes a strike?§
- Strikes can be organized by labor unions, groups of employees, or independently if there is no formal union representation.
What are the legal implications of a strike?§
- The legality of a strike varies by country and jurisdiction, encompassing rules about notice periods, participation rights, and strike objectives.
How can a strike be resolved?§
- Strikes can be resolved through negotiations between employees and employers, often mediated by a third party.
Can all employees legally “hit the bricks”?§
- Not all employees have the legal right to strike; certain essential services workers (e.g., police, firefighters) often have restrictions placed on their ability to strike.
Related Terms§
- Labor Strike: A coordinated work stoppage by employees to protest against their employer’s terms.
- Industrial Action: Acts taken by employees, including strikes, work-to-rule, or go-slow tactics, as a form of grievance.
- Picket Line: A boundary established by workers on strike, usually at the entrance to their place of work.
- Scab: A derogatory term for a worker who continues to work or takes the place of others who are on strike.
- Collective Bargaining: Negotiations between employers and representatives of employee groups (like unions) regarding employment terms.
Online References§
- Investopedia Article on Labor Strikes
- Wikipedia Entry on Strike Action
- U.S. Department of Labor Guide to Labor Relations
Suggested Books for Further Studies§
- “Strike!” by Jeremy Brecher
- “State of the Union: A Century of American Labor” by Nelson Lichtenstein
- “Labor Movements: Global Perspectives” by Stephanie Luce
- “The Right to Strike: A Comparative Perspective” by Bernd Waas
Fundamentals of Labor Strikes: Management and Employee Relations Basics Quiz§
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