Strike action

A strike usually takes place in response to employee grievances. Strikes became important during the industrial revolution, when mass labor became important in factories and mines. In most countries, they were quickly made illegal, as factory owners had far more political power than workers.

Strikes are sometimes used to put pressure on governments to change policies. Occasionally, strikes destabilize the rule of a particular political party. A notable example is the Gdańsk Shipyard strike led by Lech Wałęsa. Strike action, often simply called a strike, is a work stoppage caused by the mass refusal of employees to perform work. 

This strike was significant in the struggle for political change in Poland, and was an important mobilized effort that contributed to the fall of governments in communist East Europe. Companies which produce products for sale will frequently increase inventories prior to a strike.

Salaried employees may be called upon to take the place of strikers, which may entail advance training. If the company has multiple locations, personnel may be redeployed to meet the needs of reduced staff.
Companies may also take out strike insurance prior to an anticipated strike, to help offset the losses which the strike would cause.