Strikes at Work: How Have You Successfully Prevented Them? Seeking Advice from the Community

Hi all CiteHr members,

Do you have any experience with strikes and how to prevent them? Please advise me on this matter.

Thank you for your support.

Nal2lan

Understand what is causing the distress.

Believe it or not, people do not want to strike; they never make up the money that they lose. Talk, communicate, and be responsible. Find out what is hurting, and then do something about it. Work with the unions.

Hi nal2lan,

Please find out the cause for the strike. If it is solvable, try to communicate between the management and employees. I am sure people will be convinced if you take care and advocate for them. Consider the cost the company incurs for each day of the strike. I am certain their demands will be much less than this. Be smart and act smart in order to prevent the strike.

Regards,
ajithaa

Hi,

I have had the opportunity to handle at least 5 to 6 strikes in my career. Can we avoid them? It depends on so many factors. I have classified strikes in India under these heads:

1. Real demand for salary increase
2. Working Conditions
3. Inter-union Rivalry

In today's context, strikes are less frequent and easier to avoid through proper communication. However, the same strategy will not work in all situations. Trust is the key to solving any relationship issue. Communication is just one tool to create trust. If communication and actions are in two different directions, then you cannot build trust and may not avoid a strike.

Do everything possible to build trust. By doing so, you can avoid a strike.

TRUST IS THE KEY

Siva

Dear Sparky, Ajithaa, and Siva,

Thank you for sharing your ideas and suggestions on the subject mentioned above. This is the first time I have had to engage with our company's trade union to address this matter.

As you mentioned, the main focus areas are:

1. Real demand for a salary increase
2. Working conditions

If you have experience in this area, please advise me on how to prevent such issues. For instance, do we need any formal notice from the company to declare an illegal strike and ensure it does not occur again? Or should employees sign a commitment, etc.?

I look forward to hearing from all of you on this matter.

Thanks and best regards,

Nal2lan

Hi,

Normally, after a strike when we reach a settlement, some clause is incorporated stating that employees shall not go on strike. It is also generally accepted all over the world that employees, during the pendency of the settlement, cannot go on strike for the same reasons.

With my experience spanning 25 years and about 25 settlements, and four after strike/lockout, I firmly believe that incorporating any such clause does not build relationships. Given a choice, I will not incorporate any such clause.

Siva