Industrial action usually happens when a dispute in the workplace can't be resolved through negotiation. There are many forms of industrial action such as: strike Where workers refuse to work for the employer, a strike is a collective withdrawal of labour by employees. Under such action, employees refuse to perform all work, not just selected duties. Strikes are usually, but not always, organised by a union. The purpose of a strike is to pressure an employer (or other third party) into complying with particular demands or refraining from doing something. lockout A work stoppage where the employer stops workers from working a lockout is a form of industrial action open to employers. As the name suggests, a lockout occurs when an employer closes a worksite or premises and refuses entry to employees to work. An employer will usually stage a lockout in response to industrial action taken by employees or to compel employees to accept particular terms or conditions of employment. A lockout does not terminate an employee's contract of employment and as such continuity of employment is not affected.
Work to Rule
A work to rule campaign involves employees taking their work responsibilities very literally. For example, under a work to rule campaign, an employee who regularly works additional time for no additional benefit would only work the official set hours of the organisation. Another example may be a machinist in a factory who under normal circumstances would help out on other machines however, when working to rule, would only operate the machine he or she was originally hired to operate. Such action can have a debilitating effect on a company. This type of action can also highlight to employers how much they rely on the good faith of their employees to do additional work and tasks as part of their everyday duties. Tribunal orders may be sought by employers — as with work bans and 'go slow' tactics.
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