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.

---

sit-down strike British  

noun

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

---

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

The Flint sit-down strike, McCartin concluded, "was certainly the single most pivotal strike of the era."

From Salon • Dec. 5, 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

For 44 days in 1936-37, workers held a sit-down strike inside General Motors’ massive Flint, Mich., Fisher Body plant.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 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