When a Striker Says, “I'm Ready to Work”

Abstract

In the not‐so‐distant past, strikes tended to be a tool of unionized workers either frustrated at the bargaining table or wishing to protest unfair labor practices. In recent years, strikes have become more commonplace at union‐free employers that are the subject of union organizing. Strikes have been a way for employees to combat perceived unfair labor practices by employers during organizing efforts. The problem for union‐free employers facing such tactics is one of knowledge. Lacking experience in dealing with strikes among unionized workforces, during organizing campaigns union‐free employers oftentimes have little knowledge to draw on when addressing striking workers—including the rights to their jobs. Many such employers frequently fail to fully understand the rights of striking employees to their jobs.