Strikes 101

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/publications/general/strikes-101-20120914-1101-116-116.html

A strike is the most recognizable and publicized element of a workplace dispute, but it’s also one of the most confusing and misunderstood. This simple guide helps clarify what a strike is and what’s involved.
(Download the printable PDF version too!)



What is a strike?

A strike occurs when workers withhold labor in order to improve their working conditions.

Strikes are often the most impactful way workers can use their collective power to influence terms and conditions of their employment.


Why do employees choose to strike?

Employees may choose to strike when: 1. an employer commits an unfair labor practice, such as refusing to recognize its workers as a union; or 2. the employer, employees, and their union are unable to reach a collective bargaining agreement and the most recent proposal on the table is unacceptable to employees.

Union members vote on whether or not to strike. Because of the personal and collective sacrifices striking requires of workers, many unions require a two-thirds majority vote in order to strike.

Workers don’t always strike over “bread and butter” issues like wages and benefits. Teachers have gone on strike to improve class size; warehouse workers have gone on strike over unsafe conditions; and machinists have gone on strike to keep jobs from going overseas.

Strikes can be undertaken as a last resort by employees wanting to resolve a significant labor dispute with their employer or when matters are at an impasse and workers have exhausted all other options.


FULL story at link.

[Warpy]

1. The bottom line the unions need to get out there

is that a strike is an extreme measure that costs the union membership a great deal. While they are on strike, the bills keep coming in but there is no money coming in to pay them unless a very generous strike fund has been set up and often not even then.

People don't strike unless their backs are against a wall and management refuses to budge. Even then, they prefer to go to arbitration rather than strike.

[limpyhobbler]

2. +1

It's a last resort.