Civil Rights
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When you and other workers decide to go on strike to protest working conditions, you may be worried about being fired.
Typically employers cannot fire employees for striking, but workers shouldn't take this protection as absolute. Employers can still terminate employees for a variety of reasons, even if that employee belongs to a union.
So should you worry about being fired for going on strike?
NRLA Protects Lawful Strikes
The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) governs how employers may treat employees who are involved in protected labor activities. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has interpreted this federal law as protecting the right of employees to strike and prohibiting employers from terminating workers for exercising that right.
However, the law only protects lawful strikes. Those participating in unlawful strikes can lose their protected status under the NLRA, and their employers can legally fire them. Some examples of unlawful strikes include:
On the other hand, strikers who protest low wages, unfair labor practices, or hazardous working conditions in a peaceable manner may be protected from being fired.
What If You Are Fired for Striking?
If you are fired after participating in a lawful strike, odds are you have a case for wrongful termination. In general, employers cannot terminate employees for engaging in concerted activities like discussing your working conditions or participating in a lawful strike. An experienced employment lawyer can potentially help you seek:
Although you shouldn't be fired for striking, it may happen. An employment attorney can help you sort out your wrongful termination case and help you determine what remedy is best for you.
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