Industrial Action

Industrial action (or a ‘strike’) is where a group of workers do not attend work as a means of protest.

A trade union can only call for a strike if a majority of its members involved support it in an organised vote called a ‘ballot’. There are legal restrictions around how long such strikes can last and in certain critical sectors (such as policing and for prison officers) striking is unlawful.

Industrial action can lead to temporary closures, reduced services and disruption to organisations, customers and the general public. Services generally continue but at a reduced capacity.

Further information