sickout

[ sik-out ]

noun

1. an organized absence from work by employees on the pretext of sickness, as to avoid the legal problems or antistrike clauses that would be invoked in the case of a formal strike.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sickout¹

1950–55; probably sick ¹ + (walk)out

Example Sentences

If the “sickout” continued, union penalties could have included daily fines of up to $50,000 for the organization and $1,000 per day for union officers, as well as jail time, suspension or termination for strike participants.

From Seattle Times

On Nov. 10, the team executed a one-day sickout.

From Washington Post

Scores of Democratic legislative workers — who are not allowed to lobby for themselves under state law — held a one-day sickout in protest.

From Seattle Times

While the Senate bill died without much fanfare, the failure of HB 1806, the House version, to survive past a key deadline ignited a revolt among Democratic staffers, dozens of whom staged a sickout Feb. 16 in protest.

From Seattle Times

On Wednesday, scores of Democratic legislative staffers engaged in a sickout after learning that House Bill 1806 would not advance.

From Seattle Times