Strike

Definition

A strike is an organized cessation of work by employees aimed at forcing their employer to meet demands related to wages, work conditions, recognition of a union, or the redress of a grievance. As the ultimate tool in labor’s arsenal, strikes demonstrate the collective power of workers and can significantly disrupt business operations. While strikes are a legal labor action in many countries, public sector strikes are generally prohibited.

Examples

The 2023 Amazon Warehouse Strike: Amazon workers went on strike to demand better pay and improved safety conditions in their fulfillment centers.
The General Motors Strike of 2019: United Auto Workers (UAW) initiated a strike at General Motors for higher wages and better job security, lasting 40 days.
The 2005 New York City Transit Strike: Transit workers stopped working to demand better pensions and health benefits. This public sector strike, however, was deemed illegal under New York State’s Taylor Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers a strike?

Strikes are usually triggered by unresolved labor disputes over wages, working conditions, union recognition, or grievances against the management.

Are all strikes legal?

No, while many strikes are protected by labor laws, public sector strikes and those violating labor agreements or laws may be illegal.

How do unions organize strikes?

Unions organize strikes through member votes and coordination with legally recognized bodies to ensure compliance with labor laws.

What is the economic impact of a strike?

Strikes can cause significant financial losses for both companies and workers, disrupt services, and sometimes lead to settlements favorable to workers’ demands.

Can employees be fired for participating in a strike?

The legality of firing employees for striking depends on jurisdictional labor laws and the nature of the strike. Employees in legal strikes are often protected from dismissal.

Bargaining Agent: A union that has been recognized as representing the interests of workers in negotiating terms of employment with the employer.
Collective Bargaining: The process in which a bargaining agent negotiates the terms and conditions of employment with the employer on behalf of workers.
Labor Union: An organized association of workers formed to protect and further their rights and interests.
Grievance: A formal complaint raised by an employee towards an employer within the workplace, often settled via established procedures or negotiations.
Strike Action: Another term for strike, emphasizing the action taken by workers to leave their jobs and cease work.
Lockout: The exclusion of workers by their employer from their place of work until certain terms are agreed to.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Strike!: The Musical History of America’s Labor Unions” by Jeremy Brecher
“There Is Power in a Union: The Epic Story of Labor in America” by Philip Dray
“An Injury to All: The Decline of American Unionism” by Kim Moody
“Freedom’s Forge: How American Business Produced Victory in World War II” by Arthur Herman
“Debating the Revolt of the Middle Classes” by Don Kalb

Fundamentals of Strikes: Business Law Basics Quiz

### What is the primary purpose of a strike? - [ ] To satisfy employee vacation requests. - [ ] To harm the company without cause. - [x] To exert pressure on management for better contract terms or working conditions. - [ ] To improve public relations. > **Explanation:** The primary purpose of a strike is to exert pressure on management to negotiate better contract terms, improved working conditions, or to settle grievances. ### Which sector usually has illegal strikes? - [x] Public sector - [ ] Private sector - [ ] Non-profit sector - [ ] Entertainment sector > **Explanation:** Public sector strikes are usually illegal due to laws and regulations that ensure uninterrupted essential services. ### What organization typically leads a strike? - [ ] Management team - [ ] Board of directors - [x] Labor union - [ ] Government officials > **Explanation:** Labor unions typically lead strikes, representing the collective interests of the employees. ### Which U.S. law affects the legality of strikes in the public sector in New York? - [x] Taylor Law - [ ] National Labor Relations Act - [ ] Wagner Act - [ ] Norris-LaGuardia Act > **Explanation:** The Taylor Law governs the legality of public sector strikes in New York, often deeming them illegal. ### What significant event does the strike symbolize in labor history? - [ ] Employee resignation - [x] Collective worker power - [ ] Employer’s dominance - [ ] Market downfall > **Explanation:** A strike symbolizes collective worker power, showcasing unity and collective action to achieve labor demands. ### What might a company lose due to a significant strike? - [x] Financial stability - [ ] Warehouses - [ ] Company vehicles - [ ] CEO position > **Explanation:** Strikes can lead to substantial financial losses for a company due to halted operations and delayed services. ### Can a strike be used to recognize a union? - [x] Yes - [ ] No > **Explanation:** Strikes can force management to acknowledge and negotiate with a union, thus recognizing it as the workers’ bargaining agent. ### Which term describes the formal complaint often associated with strikes? - [ ] Negotiation - [ ] Conciliation - [ ] Mediation - [x] Grievance > **Explanation:** A grievance is a formal complaint raised by employees, often a contributing factor for strikes. ### How does a lockout relate to a strike? - [ ] Encourages workers - [ ] Similar action taken by employees - [ ] Forceful resignation - [x] Excludes workers by the employer > **Explanation:** A lockout is an action taken by employers to exclude workers from the workplace until certain terms are agreed upon, often as a counter to strikes. ### What book would you read to learn about the epic story of labor in America? - [ ] "Freedom's Forge" - [ ] "An Injury to All" - [ ] "Strike!: The Musical History" - [x] "There Is Power in a Union" > **Explanation:** "There Is Power in a Union: The Epic Story of Labor in America" by Philip Dray is recommended for learning about labor's epic history in America.

Thank you for exploring strikes—a critical component of business law and labor movements. Understanding the dynamics of strikes enhances your grasp of industrial relations and workers’ rights.