Strikers

Strikers is a plural term that encompasses several distinct meanings in different contexts. It most commonly refers to people who participate in a strike, a work stoppage intended to press for changes in wages, conditions, or policies. A striker may be part of a labor union or act as an independent worker taking collective action. Strikes can be peaceful or involve picketing, work slowdowns, or other tactics designed to apply pressure on employers or authorities. The goals of strikes vary but often aim to secure better pay, safer work conditions, or contract terms.

In sports, a striker is a player whose primary role is to score goals. In association football (soccer), the striker is typically a forward positioned nearest to the opponent’s goal and evaluated largely by goal output. Roles and styles vary, from a central “poacher” who finishes chances to a target forward who holds up play and creates opportunities for teammates.

In firearms and ignition systems, a striker is a mechanical component. In firearms, the striker is a spring-loaded piece that, when released, drives the firing pin to ignite the cartridge primer. This mechanism is characteristic of striker-fired pistols and some rifles. In ignition devices such as matchbooks, a striker is the rough surface used to create friction and ignite a match.

Other uses of the term appear in music, gaming, and industry, generally drawing on the sense of striking or triggering an action.