What is a strike?
A strike is a form of protest in which employees stop working in an effort to get their employer to meet their demands. Strikes are often used as a last resort when other methods of negotiation have failed. In labor relations law, a strike is a legally protected action taken by a group of employees to protest working conditions or wages. In Minnesota, labor relations law protects employees’ right to strike in the form of a collective bargaining unit, provided that they give their employer at least 10 days’ notice and follow certain procedures. During a strike, the employer cannot take any action against the workers, including firing them or locking them out of the premises. The workers also cannot destroy company property or cause any disruption or violence. Workers often use strikes to pressure employers to renegotiate contracts, improve wages or benefits, or address specific work grievances. The effectiveness of a strike depends on the number of workers participating, as well as the length of time in which they are refusing to work. During a strike, employers may hire replacement workers, which can weaken the strike’s impact. In Minnesota, labor relations law also allows employers to take action against striking workers in certain circumstances. For example, employers may permanently replace strikers if the strike is deemed to be illegal or the strikers are committing violent activities. Employers may also sue striking workers for damages.
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