Strike Fund

Definition

A strike fund is a pool of money set aside by a labor union or workers' organization to provide financial support to members during a labor strike. These funds are used to cover basic living expenses, such as food, rent, and utilities, for workers who forgo their paychecks to participate in a strike action against their employer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Strike funds are essential for sustaining long-term strikes, as they help workers meet their basic needs and maintain morale during the dispute.
2. The size of a strike fund can influence the bargaining power of a labor union, as a larger fund can enable workers to withstand a prolonged strike without facing financial hardship.
3. Strike funds are typically built up over time through regular contributions from union members, often a percentage of their wages.
4. The use of strike funds is closely regulated, with strict guidelines on how the money can be disbursed and to whom.
5. In some cases, strike funds may also be used to provide legal support, medical assistance, or other forms of aid to workers involved in the dispute.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose of a strike fund in the context of bilateral monopoly.
  • In a bilateral monopoly, where a single employer faces a single labor union, the strike fund plays a crucial role in the bargaining power dynamics. The strike fund allows the labor union to withstand a prolonged work stoppage, as it provides financial support to workers during the strike. This, in turn, strengthens the union's negotiating position and can influence the outcome of the collective bargaining process, as the employer must consider the union's ability to sustain a strike action.
• Describe how the size and management of a strike fund can impact the dynamics of a bilateral monopoly.
  • The size of a strike fund can significantly affect the balance of power in a bilateral monopoly. A larger strike fund gives the labor union more flexibility and resilience, as it can sustain a longer strike without members facing financial hardship. Conversely, a smaller strike fund may limit the union's ability to withstand a prolonged dispute, potentially weakening its negotiating position. Additionally, the management and disbursement of the strike fund must be transparent and adhere to strict guidelines to maintain the trust and support of union members, which can further influence the dynamics of the bilateral monopoly.
• Analyze the role of a strike fund in the context of collective action and its potential impact on the outcome of a bilateral monopoly negotiation.
  • The strike fund is a critical component of collective action in a bilateral monopoly setting. By providing financial support to workers during a strike, the strike fund enables the labor union to sustain collective action and exert greater pressure on the employer. This, in turn, can influence the dynamics of the bilateral monopoly negotiation, as the employer must consider the union's ability to withstand a prolonged work stoppage. The size and management of the strike fund can determine the extent to which the union can leverage its collective action, potentially leading to more favorable outcomes in the collective bargaining process. Ultimately, the strike fund empowers workers to engage in collective action and strengthens the labor union's negotiating position in the bilateral monopoly.

Related terms

Labor Union: An organization of workers who have come together to achieve common goals, such as better working conditions, higher wages, and improved benefits.

Collective Bargaining: The process of negotiation between an employer and a labor union, where the two parties discuss and agree on the terms and conditions of employment.

Collective Action: The act of workers joining together to advocate for their rights and interests, often through strikes, protests, or other forms of collective action.