What is a strike?
A strike is a type of protest or action taken by a group of employees or workers, usually in the form of a collective refusal to work. It is meant to put pressure on an employer or company to meet the demands of the employees or workers. In the state of Washington, a strike is defined by law as a “concerted stoppage of labor by two or more employees for the purpose of inducing or coercing an employer to agree to terms or conditions of employment.” In order to conduct a legal strike, the workers must usually follow certain procedural rules. Generally, labor strikes in Washington are limited to issues involving wages, working conditions, or the terms and conditions of employment. They must also be conducted peacefully, without threats or violence. Strikes can take many forms, including a one-day walkout, a longer period of partial or full work stoppage, or a lockout in which the employer refuses to allow the workers to enter the workplace. Strikes can also involve picketing, boycotts, and other activities intended to disrupt the employer’s operations. Labor disputes in Washington are governed by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). This law protects the rights of employees to engage in collective action, including strikes, and makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against workers who participate in union activities. Under the NLRA, employers must bargain in good faith with their employees, and are prohibited from unilaterally changing working conditions without bargaining.
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