Definition
A Wildcat Strike is a sudden and unannounced work stoppage that occurs while a labor contract is still in effect. These strikes are typically not authorized by union management and are considered illegal. They often arise from disputes over wages and working conditions and can significantly disrupt the operations of a company or industry.
Examples
- Factory Workers Halt Production: In a manufacturing plant, workers may suddenly stop work due to a disagreement with management over unsafe working conditions, despite an ongoing labor contract.
- Healthcare Staff Walkout: Nurses and other healthcare staff at a hospital might initiate a wildcat strike to protest against understaffing and insufficient pay increases outlined in their contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers a wildcat strike?
A wildcat strike is usually triggered by immediate and severe disputes over issues such as wages, working conditions, or management practices, even though an existing labor contract has not expired.
Are wildcat strikes legal?
No, wildcat strikes are considered illegal because they violate the terms of the ongoing labor contract and occur without the union’s official authorization.
What can employers do if a wildcat strike occurs?
Employers may seek legal recourse such as court injunctions to end the strike, negotiate directly with workers, or impose disciplinary measures against the participants.
What are the consequences for workers participating in a wildcat strike?
Participants in a wildcat strike may face disciplinary actions including termination of employment since the strike is in violation of the labor agreement.
Have there been famous wildcat strikes in history?
Yes, notable wildcat strikes include the 1945 wildcat strikes in the United States during World War II and the miners’ strikes in the UK in the 1970s.
Related Terms
- Strike: A work stoppage caused by the mass refusal of employees to work.
- Labor Union: An organization of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests.
- Collective Bargaining: The process of negotiating terms of employment between an employer and a group of workers.
- Lockout: An action taken by employers to prevent employees from working during a dispute.
- Picketing: Workers demonstrating outside their place of work to protest against terms of employment.
Online References
- Investopedia’s Definition of Wildcat Strike
- Wikipedia’s Entry on Wildcat Strike
- U.S. Department of Labor
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Labor Relations: Striking a Balance by John A. Fossum
- Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations by E. Edward Herman and Kurt L. Kester
- The Praxis of Labor: Wildcat Strike and Grassroots Resistance by Deborah M. Figart and Ellen Mutari
- Labor Law in the Contemporary Workplace by Kenneth G. Dau-Schmidt, et al.
Fundamentals of Wildcat Strike: Business Law Basics Quiz
Thank you for exploring the concept of wildcat strikes with our comprehensive overview and challenging quiz. Enhance your labor law knowledge and ensure workplace harmony!
