Introduction
In the context of labor relations, the phrases strike and lockout are frequently employed. Both allude to a work stoppage, although they are started by different people and have distinct goals. Even though their interests conflict, a collaboration between labor and capital is crucial for any industrial endeavor's success. They employ various tactics and tools to air their complaints and defend their interests. They frequently employ lockouts and strikes as democratic weapons. The strikes and lockouts can be witnessed in any sector in many different nations.
Strike vs Lockout
The primary difference between a lockout and a strike is that lockouts are commenced by employers, whereas strikes are started by labor unions. While lockouts are implemented to put pressure on employees or labor unions, strikes attempt to put pressure on employers regarding their place of employment difficulties. Strikes are used to pressure employers about workplace issues, whereas lockouts are used to pressure workers or labor unions. Strikes are carried out to achieve desired changes in the working situation or working conditions, whilst lockouts attempt to bring unions down regardless of their demand.
Dofference Between A Strike And A Lockout In Tabular Form
| Parameters of Comparison | Strike | Lockout |
| Meaning | When unions get united to protest their working conditions or other issues, such actions are called strikes. | The initiative taken by the employers against the unions to deny their demands is considered a lockout. |
| Legal framework | Strikes are usually considered illegal if conducted without any prior notice. | Lockouts are considered legal actions. |
| Initiative | Strikes are started by labor unions or workers. | The management took the initiative to start the lockouts. |
| Uses | Strikes are used by workers and labor unions. | Lockouts are used by employers or management. |
| Consequences | Strikes result in a lot of damage to capital and resources resulting in the downfall of the economy. | Labor forces and workers have to bear the consequences of the lockouts. |
What is a Strike?
When workers and their employers are at odds, there is a strike, that results in an absence of work. There could be differences in their viewpoints on certain issues, which might result in strikes by employees and labor unions. Usually, labor unions and employees start strikes against the companies they work for to have their demands met. The labor forces established labor unions to protest the wrongdoings of the companies they worked for. Traders and workers joined forces to take action and establish unions during the industrial revolution, which is when strikes first gained notoriety. Poor working conditions, long hours, incentives and bonuses, wages and pay scales, paid or unpaid leaves, etc. are just a few of the reasons why unions may choose to protest. Among the issues, these are only a few of them. To protest and voice their dissatisfaction with the wrongdoings of their employers, members of labor forces established unions known as unions of workers or labor unions. During the industrial revolution, when businesses and employees joined forces to take action and establish unions, strikes became well-known. Many things might prompt a union to protest, including poor working conditions, late working hours, incentives and bonuses, wages and pay scales, paid and unpaid leaves, etc. These are just a few of the problems that might prompt union or employee demonstrations. If we wish to arm ourselves with the necessary knowledge regarding strikes, we must recognize the vast history of strikes. Our experience regarding strikes is pretty broad. Strikes may be considered legal or illegal depending upon the rules and regulations of a country. The rules and regulations regarding strikes and protests may vary from country to country. Despite their losses, workers decided to go on strike because they could not be compensated for the time that they were absent from work because of the strike.
Types of Strikes
There are various types of strikes through which people may protest to achieve their demands. Some of the types of strikes are as followed:
- Hunger strike
- Sit-down strike
- Economic strike
- Sympathy strike
Hunger Strike
A hunger strike is a protest in which a small number of individuals or a leader speaking for a certain group fast or refuses to eat anything to express their concerns. One of the greatest well-known social activists from India is Anna Hazare, who has organized numerous successful protests to bring about the reforms that society needs. He is a well-known campaigner for both the peace movement and the anti-corruption movement in India.
Sit-down Strike
A sit-down strike occurs when workers begin a strike within their place of employment without interrupting regular activities. Workers do not abandon their jobs to strike. Some professionals, such as doctors, are not permitted to strike. It would have an impact on the number of persons involved, and the implications of striking would be harmful to the profession. As a result, whenever they face challenges in their occupation, they turn to sit-down strikes.
Sympathy Strike
Sympathy strikes occur when employees or unions go on strike and receive support from other organizations or businesses as well as from their fellow employees and unions. Sympathy strikes can also be observed in public settings outside of professional organizations. The strike for issues of society is additionally backed by the general public. For instance, many people left their houses to support the strike organized in support of Nirbhaya in the Nirbhaya rape case. Thousands of people show up on their own to take part in the candle march for the soldier.
Economic Strike
Strikes that are held in support of economic reasons, such as fair pay, better conditions at work, later hours, workplace discrimination, etc., are commonly referred to as economic strikes. Numerous sectors have gender-specific employment practices. The job accomplished by women frequently gets awarded to men. Their human rights are also being violated, in addition to workplace discrimination. To safeguard the rights of women within the workplace, laws have been established.
We'll address some of the notable strikes that thousands of individuals have witnessed in history which are as follows:
The Great Anthracite Coal Strike Of 1902
Beginning in May 1902 and continuing until October 1902 in eastern Pennsylvania, the great anthracite coal strike was a major labor dispute. 147,000 workers participated in the strike, which was headed by the union, United Mine Workers of America. The workers had owned possession of the largest supply of anthracite coal throughout the country. Better working conditions and fair pay were demands from the workforce.
The Pullman Strike of 1894
In 1894, the American railway union's strike brought a total shutdown of American transportation. Due to the subpar working conditions and low earnings, which were inadequate to make ends meet, the union objected. Therefore, the union was requesting fair pay and a comfortable workplace. Later, with the aid of the military and law enforcement, the strike has put to an end. But it was this event that gave rise to Labor Day. A national holiday is observed on Labor Day.
What is a Lockout?
When companies forbid employees and trade unions from entering the workplace unless they agree to certain conditions, the situation is referred to as a lockout. According to the Supreme Court of India, "lockout" is a weapon at the employer's disposal. Lockouts are the exact reverse of strikes because strikes are started by the workers. In this case, the employer is the dominant party and is seeking to obstruct the union-led protest. Lockouts are typically performed for an employee's protection. The most frequent causes of lockouts are repairs and maintenance of functioning machinery. Lockouts usually take place in industries with production and service operations. Premises are entirely out of reach during lockouts, and machines and other power devices are unplugged. Any errors that are occurred throughout the lockout are on the shoulders of the person in charge. Lockout causes temporary closing of the workplace premises.
When employees and unions rebelled against management, lockouts were their only remaining alternative. If business sectors do not use lockouts, many businesses may experience losses, and some might go out of business as a result. Lockouts are a sort of protective mechanism against the damage caused by strikes. In India, lockouts are managed or governed by the “Industrial Disputes Act of 1947”. According to this act if anybody wants to conduct a lockout he must notify the concerned parties before conducting a lockout otherwise the lockout will be considered. If a lockout is considered illegal then certain actions will be taken against the person or related parties.
Kingfisher Airlines provides one of the greatest and most recent examples of a lockout. The airline suffered massive losses that eventually led to them not succeeding to pay the salaries of their staff members. the workers began strikes and protests to safeguard their rights, which lasted for more than six months. in the last week, top executives declared a lockout in the entire airline to deal with their workers.
Causes of Lockout
Some of the causes for a lockout are as follows:
- The points of view of both employers and staff members could clash for several reasons.
- Workers can participate in illegal strikes without prior notice.
- To persuade workers and unions to accept the company's terms and conditions.
- Internal factors can arise as a result of management's neglect, resulting in lockouts.
- Lockouts may occur as a consequence of external pressures if political parties are actively involved.
Procedure for Lockouts
- Concerned employees and unions must be notified about the lockout before it is held.
- A 14-day notice must be given before a lockout
- A thorough inspection of all the equipment is required.
- A thorough checking of all the resources and energies is mandatory.
- A record must be maintained regarding the losses that may occur during the process.
The Main Difference Between A Strike And Lockout (in Points)
- Strikes are initiated by employees, workers, or unions to obtain enhancements in their place of employment or additional rewards, whereas emergencies such as locked out are at the disposal of the company to push back on the requests of the workers and unions.
- Strikes are used by workers to prevent the running of industries or any other sector in which they operate, whereas lockouts are used by employers or management to restrict workers' and labor unions' access to their places of employment and working pieces of equipment to deny them their demands and conditions.
- Strikes are against the law in many countries, and if someone desires to participate or conduct a strike, they have to alert all parties involved, but lockouts are not illegal, but notification in advance is required in lockouts as well.
- Strikes are held to pressure executives or employers to comply with the demands and fulfill all of their conditions, whereas lockouts force workers and labor unions to give up protesting and get back to work within a particular period.
- The primary objective or reason for strikes is to create a better working environment in addition to addressing their various other demands, however, the main objective of the lockout is to control wasteful consumption of resources and to continue working without getting delayed.
Conclusion
In light of everything that has been stated above, it can be concluded that both strikes and lockouts are strategies used by both parties to persuade the other to agree to their demands and other conditions. The lockout is a technique used by management or employers to compel the workers into complying with their working conditions, whereas the strike is a strategy that can be employed by workers, labor unions, or even some social activists to bring about certain changes in their respective fields. In general, a lockout can be used to prevent personnel from accessing tools or their place of work for the sake of their security. Collateral and other damage are caused through both the strike and the lockout. Employers and employees need to come up with solutions together to prevent conflicts from growing in the future if they want to avoid the consequences. Time and energy can be saved by working together.
References
- https://www.whatishumanresource.com/strikes