What is a sympathy strike?

A sympathy strike is indeed a strike that occurs to show support for another group of workers who are engaged in a dispute with their employer. In this context, workers at one company may halt work or strike to demonstrate solidarity with workers at another company who are negotiating better working conditions, pay, or benefits.

This practice is rooted in the principle of labor solidarity, where workers across different sectors or organizations recognize their shared struggles and goals. Sympathy strikes serve to put pressure on employers by demonstrating unity among workers, and they may be effective in influencing negotiations or outcomes in the targeted dispute.

Understanding this concept is crucial in labor relations, as it highlights how interconnected labor movements can be and the strategies they might employ to achieve their objectives.