What is Industrial Action?
Industrial action is when workers take steps to show they are unhappy with their working conditions, pay, or other job-related issues. This is often organized by groups called unions. Industrial action is a way for workers to collectively push for better conditions or pay when other methods of negotiation haven’t worked.
Here are some common types of industrial action:
- Strikes: Workers stop working completely to put pressure on their employer to meet their demands.
- Work-to-Rule: Workers do only what is required by their job descriptions, nothing extra, to slow down productivity.
Industrial action can impact the running of services and access to goods. Within the LRF we have 5 risks related to industrial action.
Local risk rating: High
- Industrial Action – Public Transport
- Industrial Action – Firefighters
- Industrial action – Fuel supply
- Industrial Action of Emergency Service Workers
- Widespread Industrial Action or Disruptive Action Short of a Strike
What does the Local Resilience Forum do to prepare?
The agencies that work within the Local Resilience Forum share information on industrial action in order to fully plan and prepare for any impacts on their organisations. Robust business continuity arrangements and dynamic assessment are used to ensure critical services are covered during periods of Industrial Action.
How can you prepare?
Different types of industrial action require different actions, but there are some actions you can take for all:
Staying Informed: Keep up-to-date with news about the action
Planning: Think about how you will manage your daily life if there is a disruption.
Industrial Action - Public Transport
Plan and find alternative routes
Consider other modes of transportation, like biking or walking
Industrial Action – firefighters
It is always important to reduce fires, to do this, you can:
Fit smoke alarms (at least one on each floor) and test regularly
Plan an escape route if a fire breaks out at night
Do not overload electrical sockets
Turn off appliances when not in use
Don’t leave food cooking unattended
Industrial action - fuel supply
Reduce your fuel usage by combining trips, carpooling, or using public transportation
Avoid unnecessary trips
Consider other modes of transportation
Keep up-to-date with the latest news
Have an emergency kit in your vehicle
Industrial Action of Emergency Service Workers
Preparing for industrial action involving emergency service workers, like firefighters, police, or paramedics, is important to ensure safety and minimise disruptions. Here are some steps you can take:
Keep up-to-date with the latest news
Talk to friends and family and plan what to do in an emergency
Have a first aid kit at home and in your car
Ensure you have enough medication and supplies and know the location of the nearest health service
Take extra safety precautions at home and work to prevent accidents
