Work Stoppage: Union workers collectively cease working or providing their services to the employer. This disruption of regular operations is a core strike measure. By withholding their labor, union members put economic pressure on the employer to address their demands.
Picketing: Striking workers establish picket lines at crucial entry points of the workplace. Picketers carry signs, chant slogans, and distribute informational materials to raise public awareness about the strike and influence public opinion. Picketing creates visibility, draws media attention, and attempts to prevent non-union workers from crossing the picket line.
Refusal to Perform Overtime: Union workers may also refuse to work overtime during a strike. By denying the employer access to additional labor, this tactic further exacerbates operational disruptions and intensifies economic pressure.
Solidarity Actions: Union members might engage in solidarity actions to reinforce their position during a strike. These can include refusing to patronize the struck business, boycotting related products or services, and engaging in protests or demonstrations of support outside the worksite.
Lobbying and Political Pressure: Unions may lobby elected officials, policymakers, and other influential figures to intervene and support the workers' demands. By appealing to higher authorities, unions seek additional pressure on the employer.
Public Relations: Unions often conduct PR campaigns to present their perspective publicly. They issue press releases, hold press conferences, and engage in social media campaigns to explain their grievances and gain public sympathy for their cause.
The objective of strike actions is to compel the employer to address the workers' concerns, often related to wages, benefits, working conditions, unfair treatment, or issues involving job security, health and safety regulations, and union recognition. The union negotiates with the employer to agree on mutually acceptable terms that resolve the dispute and lead to a return to work.