wildcat strike

noun

1. a labor strike that has not been called or sanctioned by the officials of the union.

wildcat strike

noun

1. a strike begun by workers spontaneously or without union approval

wildcat strike

1. A strike called in violation of an existing contract between labor and management .

Word History and Origins

Origin of wildcat strike¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

Former Conservative transport secretary Mr Harper has previously claimed the plan could worsen services for passengers, saying it could lead to "French-style wildcat strikes with no notice".

From BBC

Mark Harper predicted it would lead to “French-style wildcat strikes” and put unions back in the driving seat.

From BBC

“We saw wildcat strikes percolating around the country ... then someone threw out the date Feb. 14 and everyone latched on to it,” Moore said.

From Los Angeles Times

The dissent this week is reminding some labor observers of a wildcat strike that occurred a few years ago at U.C.

From New York Times

If we begin to chip away at corporate power through strikes, most of which will probably be wildcat strikes that defy union leadership and anti-union laws, we can begin to regain agency over our lives.

From Salon