sit-down strike

American  

noun

1. a strike during which workers occupy their place of employment and refuse to work or allow others to work until the strike is settled.

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sit-down strike British  

noun

1. a strike in which workers refuse to leave their place of employment until a settlement is reached

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Etymology

Origin of sit-down strike

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

When the elevator breaks down yet again and Isaac can’t get to an exam on the upper floor, the whole school stages a sit-down strike in his support.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2023

Without the Flint sit-down strike, it might have taken many more years to unionize General Motors and the entire industrial union movement might have failed to mature.

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2021

Kildee’s congressional district includes the city of Flint, where a sit-down strike by General Motors workers in 1936-1937 brought about one of the biggest victories for labor unions in America’s history.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 11, 2021

The narrative really took on a life of its own when a New Yorker article in 1976 referred to "a sort of sit-down strike one day about half-way through the mission".

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2021

Before a club game kickoff, several dozen protesters staged a sit-down strike on the 50-yard line.

From New York Times • Sep. 17, 2011