token strike Meaning
Token Strike
Definition:
A “token strike” refers to a short, symbolic strike action taken by workers or employees to show solidarity or protest against certain conditions, decisions, or practices employer-related, rather than to achieve immediate substantial concessions or changes. It often serves as a demonstration of support for a cause or to signal displeasure with policies or situations which are unsatisfactory but may not warrant an extended strike action.
Usage:
- In labor relations, unions may call for a token strike to draw attention to specific grievances without fully disrupting operations.
- The workers decided to engage in a token strike to express their dissatisfaction with the new policies while minimizing the impact on productivity.
Etymology:
The term “token” comes from the Old English tacn, meaning a sign, symbol, or indication. “Strike,” in this context, originates from the Old English strican, meaning to hit or to wipe out. The combination of both terms reflects the action (the strike) being symbolic rather than fully committed.
Pronunciation:
/ˈtoʊ.kən straɪk/
Synonyms:
- Symbolic strike
- Demonstrative strike
- Protest strike
Antonyms:
- Full strike
- Unconditional strike
- Continuous strike
In summary, a token strike is a brief, significant protest intended to highlight a larger issue rather than to serve as a comprehensive labor action aimed at immediate changes in employment conditions.
- The employees decided to hold a token strike to draw attention to their grievances without disrupting operations significantly.
- During the negotiation talks, the union leaders proposed a token strike to emphasize the seriousness of their demands.
- The company’s management was caught off guard when workers organized a token strike to protest against the new policies.
- In response to the lack of progress in talks, the workers planned a token strike for the following Friday.
- The token strike lasted only a few hours, but it sent a clear message to the executives about the employees’ dissatisfaction.
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