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wildcat strike

/ˌwaɪl(d)ˈkæt straɪk/
IPA guide

Other forms: wildcat strikes

If a group of factory workers goes on strike without any planning, organization, or vote, it's called a wildcat strike.

Use the phrase wildcat strike when you're talking about a strike that's not approved by a union or sanctioned by any group or even a vote among workers. When people go on strike, they refuse to work as a protest against unfair or unsafe working conditions. When you talk about a wildcat strike, you're using wildcat to mean "untamed or unruly," just like an actual wild animal.

Definitions of wildcat strike
  1. noun
    a strike undertaken by workers without approval from the officials of their union
    see moresee less
    type of:
    strike, work stoppage
    a group's refusal to work in protest against low pay or bad work conditions
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