Wildcat strike

Definition

A wildcat strike is an unauthorized work stoppage by unionized workers that occurs without the approval of the union leadership. These strikes are often spontaneous and arise from immediate grievances such as unsafe working conditions, unfair treatment, or dissatisfaction with negotiations, and they can disrupt operations without prior notice. Wildcat strikes highlight the tension between workers' rights to protest and the formal processes established by labor unions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wildcat strikes are illegal under U.S. labor law if they occur during the duration of a collective bargaining agreement, as they bypass union leadership.
2. These strikes are typically driven by urgent issues that workers feel need immediate attention, such as unsafe working conditions or unfair treatment by management.
3. Wildcat strikes can pose significant challenges for both employers and unions, as they can lead to loss of wages for workers and strain relationships between union leadership and its members.
4. While wildcat strikes may be unauthorized, they often receive public support if the reasons behind them resonate with broader social issues or highlight significant injustices in the workplace.
5. The frequency of wildcat strikes can increase during times of economic hardship when workers feel more vulnerable and dissatisfied with their working conditions.

Review Questions

• What are some common reasons that might lead workers to initiate a wildcat strike without union approval?
  • Workers may initiate a wildcat strike due to immediate grievances that they feel require urgent action. Common reasons include unsafe working conditions where employees believe their health is at risk, perceived unfair treatment by management, or frustration with stalled negotiations that do not adequately address their concerns. These spontaneous strikes reflect a breakdown in communication and trust between workers and their union leadership.
• How do wildcat strikes impact the relationship between union leadership and its members?
  • Wildcat strikes can create tension between union leadership and its members because these actions occur without formal authorization from the union. While workers may feel justified in their actions due to urgent grievances, union leaders may view these strikes as undermining their authority and the collective bargaining process. This dynamic can lead to conflicts within the union, where members might feel that leadership is not adequately representing their interests, potentially causing divisions within the workforce.
• Evaluate the legal implications of wildcat strikes in relation to organized labor practices in the United States.
  • Wildcat strikes have significant legal implications as they are generally considered illegal under U.S. labor law if they occur during an active collective bargaining agreement. The National Labor Relations Act protects the right to strike but requires that it be conducted under the auspices of the union leadership. This means that unauthorized wildcat strikes could expose participating workers to disciplinary actions from employers, while also complicating negotiations between unions and employers. The legality of these strikes raises questions about the balance between workers' rights to protest against perceived injustices and the structured processes designed to facilitate labor relations.

Related terms

strike: A strike is a collective action by employees to stop work in order to gain concessions from their employer, typically involving issues like wages, working conditions, or benefits.

lockout: A lockout occurs when an employer temporarily closes the workplace or denies workers access to it, often in response to a labor dispute or to prevent workers from striking.

collective bargaining:

Collective bargaining is the process by which union representatives negotiate with employers on behalf of workers to establish employment terms, including wages, hours, and working conditions.