Työtaistelu

Työtaistelu, often translated as industrial action or labor dispute, refers to the collective actions taken by employees to exert pressure on employers during negotiations or disagreements over terms of employment. These actions are typically organized by trade unions or other employee representatives. The primary goal of työtaistelu is to achieve better working conditions, wages, benefits, or to resist changes proposed by the employer.

Common forms of työtaistelu include strikes, where employees withdraw their labor entirely for a specified period. Other methods can include work-to-rule campaigns, where employees adhere strictly to their contract terms, leading to slowdowns in productivity, or boycotts of the employer's products or services. Lockouts, where employers prevent employees from working, can also be a form of industrial action, though initiated by the employer.

The legal framework surrounding työtaistelu varies significantly by country. In many jurisdictions, these actions are regulated by labor laws that may require advance notice, mediation, or specific voting procedures before industrial action can commence. The right to engage in työtaistelu is often considered a fundamental right of employees, recognized in international labor standards. The outcome of a työtaistelu can lead to new collective bargaining agreements, amendments to existing ones, or a resolution of specific grievances. Conversely, it can also result in prolonged disputes and economic consequences for both parties.