Reasons for industrial action
Hands holding protest signs. Workers going on Strike

Industrial action, also known as strike or protest, is a form of collective protest by employees against their employers. It is a way for workers to voice their grievances and demand better working conditions, wages, and benefits. Industrial action can take many forms, including strikes, go-slows, work-to-rule, and boycotts which arises from the Reasons for industrial action. In this article, we will discuss some of the Reasons for industrial action that lead to industrial action. Reasons for industrial action has been due to common problems experienced by employees and lack of good relationships between the employee an employers.

READ: Types of strike in industrial Relations

7 Main Causes of industrial actions

What are the causes of industrial actions? Industrial action is taken by employers or employees to settle a workplace dispute about working conditions. The main causes of industrial actions includes;

  1. Unfair Wages One of the main reasons for industrial action is unfair wages. Many workers feel that they are not being paid a fair wage for their work and that their employers are exploiting them. In some cases, employees may feel that they are being paid less than the minimum wage, or that they are not being paid overtime. They may also feel that their wages are not in line with inflation, which means that the purchasing power of their wages is decreasing over time.
  2. Poor Working Conditions :Another reason for industrial action is poor working conditions. Workers may feel that their health and safety are at risk, that they are being subjected to long hours, or that they are not being given adequate breaks. In some cases, employees may also feel that their working conditions are discriminatory or unjust. For example, they may feel that they are being unfairly treated because of their gender, race, or age.
  3. Lack of Benefits: A lack of benefits is another reason for industrial action. Workers may feel that they are not being provided with adequate health insurance, paid time off, or retirement benefits. This can lead to financial insecurity and cause stress for employees, who feel that their future is uncertain.
  4. Unjust Dismissal: Unjust dismissal is another reason for industrial action. Workers may feel that they have been unfairly fired or laid off and that their employer did not follow the proper procedures. They may also feel that they have been wrongly accused of misconduct or that their employer is using the dismissal as an opportunity to get rid of an employee who is a union member or an advocate for better working conditions.
  5. Disagreements: over Contracts Disagreements over contracts can also lead to industrial action. Workers may feel that their employer is not negotiating in good faith or that their contract is unfair. They may also feel that their employer is not respecting their rights as employees. For example, they may feel that their employer is not giving them the right to join a union or that their employer is not respecting their right to a safe and healthy workplace.
  6. Political Reasons: In some cases, industrial action may be motivated by political reasons. For example, workers may feel that their government is not doing enough to protect their rights or that the government is making decisions that will negatively impact their livelihoods. Workers may also feel that their government is not doing enough to address social and environmental issues that are important to them.
  7. Resistance to Change: Finally, industrial action can also be a form of resistance to change. Workers may feel that their employer is making changes to their work or workplace without consulting them, or that the changes are not in their best interest. For example, they may feel that their employer is outsourcing their jobs, cutting their hours, or making changes to their working conditions that they do not agree with.

In conclusion, there are many reasons that can lead to industrial action. Whether it is unfair wages, poor working conditions, lack of benefits, unjust dismissal, disagreements over contracts, political reasons, or resistance to change, workers may feel that they need to take a stand in order to protect their rights and improve their working conditions. Industrial action can be a powerful tool for workers to voice their grievances and demand change, and it is important for employers to listen to their employees and address their concerns

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