Unofficial strikes, otherwise known as wildcat strikes, are prohibited by labor relations law and not sanctioned by recognized unions yet have been the cause of many successful protests throughout history. Their illegal nature makes them a daring but risky exercise for both workers and employers.

Workers involved in wildcat strikes do not have the same legal protections that would be provided in an official union strike. This is especially concerning for workers as companies may attempt to fire or make salary deductions for days missed without prior warning. In some cases, employers threaten to fire employees altogether if they do not suspend their strike or return to work immediately.

Despite the risks associated with wildcat strikes, employees have found success in utilizing this tactic. The tactic allows employees to demonstrate the power of direct action to make their demands heard and push for better workplace conditions. During a wildcat strike, workers can quickly come to a consensus and demand for essential workplace improvements. In some cases, wildcat strikes have transitioned into full-fledged union strikes.

For employers, unplanned wildcat strikes can cause disruption of operations, shrink profit margins, and create a strain on labor management relationships. With minimal notice, employers may have difficulty resourcing alternative workers to fill replacement workers’ positions. Furthermore, an unofficial strike can hamper customer relations, with customer orders and inquiries getting held up or cancelled due to lack of resources.

Wildcat strikes are a possible remedy for unsatisfied workers and employers alike. Companies can recognize and welcome the participation of workers for unpaid overtime, difficult conditions and stagnant wages, helping to build and support more productive labor-management relationships. In this way, employers can respond to the calls of their employees and work together to decrease tensions in the workplace — often avoiding the need for a wildcat strike in the process.

Ultimately, a wildcat strike is a form of protest that is not formally approved by a union. Although seen as illegal under labor relations law, they have served as successful bargaining tools when it comes to securing demands by workers. While an official strike is more likely to receive more attention and legal protection, an unauthorized strike is a valid solution if a consensus among workers can be reached.