wildcat strike

American  

noun

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

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wildcat strike British  

noun

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

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wildcat strike Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of wildcat strike

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

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

Finally, on the right is footage of American garment workers, mostly women of color, who between 1972 and 1974 staged various wildcat strikes.

From Los Angeles Times