outlaw strike

A group of workers holds an outlaw strike at the factory.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An unauthorized strike: An "outlaw strike" is a work stoppage initiated by a group of workers without the approval of their labor union or union leadership. It is considered illegal or contrary to union rules.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The factory workers organized an outlaw strike despite the union's refusal to support it. (An unauthorized work stoppage by employees.)
  • Management refused to negotiate during the outlaw strike, citing its illegality. (A strike not sanctioned by the union.)

Advanced Usage

• "to call an outlaw strike": to initiate an unauthorized work stoppage.

  • The disgruntled employees called an outlaw strike after contract negotiations failed. (They started a strike without union approval.)

• "to be an outlaw strike": to describe a strike that is not legally or union-recognized.

  • The walkout was considered an outlaw strike because it violated the collective bargaining agreement. (The strike broke the terms of the labor contract.)

Variants and Related Words

• Outlaw (n): a person who has broken the law, or (in this context) something that is illegal or unauthorized.

  • The union declared the strike an outlaw action. (An unauthorized, illegal activity.)

• Strike (n): a work stoppage by employees as a form of protest.

  • The strike lasted for three weeks. (The work stoppage.)

Synonyms

• Wildcat strike: a strike not authorized by the union. (Often used interchangeably with "outlaw strike.")

  • The wildcat strike shut down the entire production line. (An unauthorized strike.)

• Unauthorized strike: a strike without official union approval.

  • The unauthorized strike was met with legal action. (A strike lacking official sanction.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Strike out: to begin a strike, often with a specific goal.

  • The workers struck out for better wages. (They started a strike.)

• Walk out: to leave work suddenly as a form of protest.

  • The employees walked out in support of the outlaw strike. (They left work to join the unauthorized stoppage.)

Related Idioms

• Go on strike: to stop working as a protest.

  • The workers went on an outlaw strike despite warnings. (They began an unauthorized work stoppage.)

• Break the strike: to end or undermine a strike.

  • The company hired temporary workers to break the outlaw strike. (To end the unauthorized work stoppage.)