What is industrial action?

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.