walkout

A walkout is a form of protest in which participants leave a place or cease attending as a collective action to express grievances and demand action. Walkouts are typically organized to draw attention to an issue and to apply pressure on leaders or institutions without initiating a full-scale strike. The term derives from the act of walking out of a meeting, classroom, or workplace.

Walkouts occur in various settings, including workplaces, schools, and public institutions, and can range from a few hours to multiple days. They are often planned around a specific date or event to maximize visibility and impact.

There are several common types. Labor walkouts, or strikes, involve workers leaving en masse to protest conditions, pay, or safety. School walkouts involve students leaving class to protest or advocate policy, frequently with a defined duration. Political or organizational walkouts can be used to disrupt ordinary operations in order to signal opposition or demand reforms.

Legal status varies by jurisdiction. In many places, peaceful walkouts may be protected as forms of free expression, but organizers and participants can face disciplinary or legal consequences, especially in workplaces or schools that prohibit unauthorized absence. Labor walkouts may be regulated under collective bargaining or labor laws, with certain protections and requirements such as notices, permits, or procedures for resolving disputes.

Notable usage includes student protests in the United States linked to gun violence, beginning around 2018, and organized teacher walkouts in several states. In other countries, walkouts have interrupted public services and prompted policy discussions, illustrating their potential to influence agendas without formal legislative action.

See also: protest, strike, sit-in.