Industrial action is an act, done by either an employee or an employer, which prevents the operation of the contract of employment. Forms of action by employees include:

• strikes;
• go-slows;
• overtime bans; and
• work to rule.

The usual form of action by the employer is a lockout.

Whether done by the employer or employees, the act constitutes a breach of contract, but the law protects both employer and employees in certain circumstances ('lawful industrial action') from court proceedings.