Definition
A walkout is a sudden work stoppage initiated by employees, often without prior notice, aimed at pressing demands for better working conditions, wages, or other employment terms. This form of labor strike is typically orchestrated by employees themselves rather than unions, though unions may support and organize such actions. Walkouts serve as a direct method for workers to express dissatisfaction and demand immediate changes from their employers.
Examples
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Google Walkout for Real Change: In November 2018, thousands of Google employees from across the globe walked out of their offices in response to sexual harassment, racism, and other workplace inequalities.
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Teacher Walkouts: In 2018, teachers in several U.S. states, including West Virginia and Arizona, walked out to demand higher wages and better funding for public education.
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Fast Food Workers’ Walkouts: Employees from major fast-food chains periodically engage in walkouts to demand higher minimum wages and better working conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What differentiates a walkout from a regular strike?
A walkout is typically a sudden and often unauthorized form of strike. It may occur without formal union backing and doesn’t require advanced notice, which is usually a hallmark of organized strikes.
Are walkouts legal?
Walkouts can be legal or illegal depending on the country’s laws and the specific circumstances, such as whether the action violates terms of employment contracts or labor laws.
How can employers respond to walkouts?
Employers may negotiate with workers to resolve the issues leading to the walkout. In some cases, employers might take disciplinary action against participants if the walkout is deemed unauthorized.
How long do walkouts typically last?
The duration of walkouts can vary significantly, ranging from a few hours to several days, depending on the severity of the issues and the willingness of both parties to negotiate and resolve the conflict.
Related Terms
Wildcat Strike
A wildcat strike is a labor strike initiated by workers without the authorization of their union. While all wildcat strikes are unauthorized, not all unauthorized strikes are walkouts.
Industrial Action
A broader term encompassing various forms of collective employee actions, including strikes, walkouts, and work-to-rule actions, aimed at demanding improvements in work conditions.
Collective Bargaining
A process where employers and unions negotiate terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, working hours, and conditions, to prevent conflicts and work stoppages.
Online References
- National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): Offers resources and legal guidelines about labor rights and practices in the United States.
- International Labour Organization (ILO): Provides documentation and resources on labor standards and workers’ rights globally.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Strike! The Power of Workers in America” by Mary E. Triece: This book offers a historical overview of significant labor strikes in the United States.
- “Labor Law: A Basic Guide to the National Labor Relations Act” by David E. Strecker: A comprehensive guide to labor laws governing strikes and collective bargaining in the U.S.
- “The Global Industrial Relations System: Essays in Honor of Charles C. Heckscher” edited by Adrienne E. Eaton and Paula B. Voos: This book discusses various labor actions and the evolution of industrial relations globally.
Fundamentals of Walkout: Management and Labor Studies Quiz
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