The phrase "be on strike" is spelled using the /i/ vowel sound, as in "bee," followed by the consonant sound /ɒn/, as in "on," and the voiced fricative /z/ sound, as in "freeze." The last syllable is pronounced with the voiceless plosive /t/, as in "top," and the vowel sound /raɪk/, as in "bike." This phrase refers to the act of workers refusing to work as a form of protest or negotiation for better working conditions or wages.
To be on strike refers to the act of engaged in a collective withholding of labor or services as a form of protest or negotiation. When individuals, usually employed within a specific industry or workplace, are on strike, they voluntarily cease working in order to convey their grievances or demands to their employers or the authorities. Strikes are often organized by labor unions or associations in order to address issues such as unfair treatment, low wages, poor working conditions, or the violation of workers' rights.
During a strike, participating individuals abstain from their usual work responsibilities and withdraw their contribution from the production or provision of goods and services. This cessation of work is typically a deliberate and organized act, intended to disrupt business operations and draw attention to the workers' concerns. Strikes can take various forms, such as work stoppages, slowdowns, or sit-ins, depending on the nature of the dispute and the particular industry involved.
The purpose of going on strike is multifaceted. It aims to put pressure on employers or authorities to meet the demands of the workers, such as negotiating fair contracts, improving labor conditions, or rectifying perceived injustices. Strikes serve as a means of collective action, demonstrating solidarity and unity among workers while highlighting the significance of their contributions to society.