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
### What does the term "hit the bricks" refer to?
- [x] Employees going on strike.
- [ ] Employees receiving a promotion.
- [ ] Employees starting a new project.
- [ ] Employees returning from a vacation.
> **Explanation:** "Hit the bricks" is a term that refers to employees going on strike.
### Which type of workers typically has restrictions on their ability to strike?
- [x] Essential services workers
- [ ] Retail workers
- [ ] Restaurant workers
- [ ] Freelance workers
> **Explanation:** Essential services workers, such as police and firefighters, often have restrictions placed on their ability to strike due to the critical nature of their work.
### What is the goal of a labor strike?
- [ ] To encourage workers to quit their jobs.
- [x] To protest and negotiate better working conditions, wages, or benefits.
- [ ] To support the employers' objectives.
- [ ] To increase workplace competition.
> **Explanation:** The primary goal of a labor strike is to protest against unsatisfactory conditions and negotiate improvements such as better wages, benefits, or working terms.
### Who typically organizes a strike?
- [ ] Management
- [x] Labor unions or groups of employees
- [ ] Shareholders
- [ ] Government officials
> **Explanation:** Strikes are typically organized by labor unions or groups of employees, not management or other parties.
### What is a picket line?
- [x] A boundary established by employees on strike.
- [ ] A new marketing initiative.
- [ ] An internal management meeting.
- [ ] A consumer advocacy group.
> **Explanation:** A picket line is a boundary established by employees on strike, usually at the entrance to their workplace.
### What term is commonly used to describe a worker who takes the place of striking employees?
- [ ] Bargainer
- [ ] Mediator
- [x] Scab
- [ ] Arbitrator
> **Explanation:** The term "scab" is used derogatorily to describe a worker who continues to work or takes the place of others who are on strike.
### What does "collective bargaining" refer to?
- [ ] Discussions between employers and customers.
- [ ] Negotiations between shareholders.
- [x] Negotiations between employers and employee representatives regarding employment terms.
- [ ] Planning sessions among management.
> **Explanation:** Collective bargaining refers to negotiations between employers and employee representatives (such as unions) to agree on employment terms.
### What entity often mediates during a strike to facilitate resolution?
- [ ] The Supreme Court
- [ ] The local police department
- [ ] A third-party mediator
- [ ] Wall Street analysts
> **Explanation:** A third-party mediator is often brought in to facilitate negotiations and help resolve disagreements during a strike.
### What type of action includes go-slow and work-to-rule tactics?
- [x] Industrial action
- [ ] Community service
- [ ] Fair trade certification
- [ ] Corporate social responsibility initiatives
> **Explanation:** Industrial action includes various forms of protest by employees, such as go-slow and work-to-rule tactics.
### How can a strike be legally validated?
- [ ] Through an employer's approval.
- [x] By following legal procedures and often having union support.
- [ ] By unanimous public agreement.
- [ ] Automatically, upon employees' decision.
> **Explanation:** For a strike to be legally validated, it usually needs to follow legal procedures and often requires support from a recognized labor union.
Thank you for exploring the concept of labor strikes and delving into our comprehensive quiz. Continue to enhance your understanding of employee relations and labor rights!
