Types of Strike
Types of Strike
What is a Strike?
A strike is a collective and organized cessation of work by employees to pressurize the employer to meet their demands or protest against grievances.
Types of Strike
Strikes can be classified based on their purpose, nature, and legal status. Below are the common types:
1. Political Strike
Definition: A strike called for political reasons or to influence the government or political policies.
Example: Workers strike demanding a change in government policy or protesting a political decision.
Case Law:
In the Bharat Forge Co. Ltd. case, the court held that strikes purely political in nature are not related to the industrial dispute and hence are illegal as they do not pertain to workers’ conditions or services.
2. Sympathy Strike (or Solidarity Strike)
Definition: When workers strike to support another group of workers who are on strike, even though they themselves do not have any grievance.
Case Law:
In the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation vs. United Motor Workers’ Union, the court stated sympathy strikes are lawful only if they are connected with a legitimate industrial dispute affecting the workers striking.
3. General Strike
Definition: A strike involving workers across various industries or sectors, usually called to protest a general issue like wages or political matters affecting all workers.
Example: A nationwide strike affecting multiple industries.
Case Law:
In the Delhi Municipal Corporation vs. Union of India case, the court observed that a general strike affecting multiple industries may not always be lawful unless it relates to an industrial dispute affecting the workers involved.
4. Illegal Strike
Definition: A strike that does not comply with the legal requirements such as notice period or strike called during the pendency of conciliation proceedings or during the notice period.
Example: Workers going on strike without giving proper notice to the employer.
Case Law:
In the Bharat Forge Ltd. vs. Uttam Manohar Nakate, the Supreme Court held that a strike called without adhering to the procedural requirements is illegal and workers are not entitled to protection.
5. Wildcat Strike
Definition: A strike that is unauthorized by the trade union or is spontaneous, usually sudden and without prior notice.
Example: Workers stopping work suddenly without union approval.
Case Law:
In the Express Newspapers (India) Pvt. Ltd. case, the court held that wildcat strikes are illegal as they undermine the collective bargaining process.
6. Mass Casual Strike
Definition: When a large number of workers strike, often disrupting production massively.
This is more a descriptive type rather than a legal classification.
The court usually views this based on the legality of the strike notice and cause.
7. Token Strike
Definition: A strike where workers stop work for a very short period to show their protest but resume quickly.
Example: Workers may stop work for an hour or so to send a message to management.
Case Law:
In the Nagarjuna Construction Co. case, the court recognized token strikes as a form of protest but emphasized the need for legality.
8. Intermittent Strike
Definition: Workers strike intermittently—working on some days and striking on others.
Example: Striking on alternate days.
Courts look at the regularity and justification of such strikes.
Summary Table of Types of Strike:
| Type of Strike | Definition | Example | Legality/Case Law Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Strike | Strike for political reasons | Protest against govt. policy | Bharat Forge Co. Ltd. - Political strikes illegal |
| Sympathy Strike | Strike in support of others | Supporting striking workers in another firm | Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation case |
| General Strike | Strike across industries on general issues | Nationwide strike | Delhi Municipal Corporation case - Legality depends on dispute |
| Illegal Strike | Strike without following procedure | No notice given | Bharat Forge Ltd. vs. Nakate - Strike illegal |
| Wildcat Strike | Unauthorized, spontaneous strike | Sudden strike without union consent | Express Newspapers case - Strike illegal |
| Token Strike | Short duration strike to send a message | 1-hour stop work | Nagarjuna Construction case |
| Intermittent Strike | Strike on alternate days | Workers striking intermittently | Depends on circumstances |
Conclusion
Not all strikes are lawful; the legality depends on the purpose, procedure followed, and connection to an industrial dispute.
Courts generally protect the right to strike when done lawfully.
Strikes unrelated to work conditions, or done without proper procedure, are usually held illegal.
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