Työtaistelutoimenpiteet

Työtaistelutoimenpiteet, often translated as industrial action or labor disputes, refer to the actions taken by employees or employers to influence the outcome of negotiations regarding employment terms and conditions. These measures are typically employed when collective bargaining breaks down and parties cannot reach an agreement through dialogue.

The most common form of employee-initiated industrial action is the strike. A strike involves a concerted refusal by employees to work. Strikes can vary in intensity and scope, from a brief work stoppage to an indefinite cessation of work. Other actions by employees include go-slows, where workers deliberately slow down their pace of work, and overtime bans, where employees refuse to work beyond their regular hours.

Employers also have tools to counter employee actions or to pressure employees into accepting their terms. A lockout is one such measure, where an employer prevents employees from working. This can be used as a defensive measure to prevent further disruption or as an offensive tactic to pressure a union. Boycotts, where employees are encouraged not to purchase goods or services from their employer or associated companies, can also be a form of industrial action.

The legality and regulation of these measures vary significantly across different countries and legal systems. In many jurisdictions, there are specific procedures that must be followed before industrial action can be lawfully undertaken, often involving notice periods and mediation processes. The aim of these regulations is generally to balance the rights of employees to collectively bargain and take action with the need to maintain economic stability and public order.