Industrial Strikes: THE ANATOMY OF A STRIKE
Democratic countries recognise the workers' right to
strike. It is argued that the work-force is in the business of 'selling' its
labour to the employer, so, if conditions demand they can withdraw their
labour. In recent years however laws have been made to regulate strikes. The
'wild-cat' strike where workers downed tools unofficially is no longer allowed.
Strikes must now be endorsed by the union who must seek the members' agreement
by a secret ballot.
Workers regard the strike as their weapon of last resort to
draw attention to their grievances. The irony of it all is that sooner or later
both parties must negotiate a settlement or invite an arbitration board to do
so for them.
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