Abstract

The word "strike" is the act of stopping work by a body of workmen for the purpose of coercing their employer to accede to some demands they have made upon him. It is an internationally recognized concept. The United Nation's Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights enshrines the right to strike. In most European countries the right to strike is enshrined in, and protected by, a written constitution. In context of India the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 implies a right to strike in industries. The workers' right to strike is complemented by the employers' right to lock-out, thus maintaining a balance of powers between the two. However, the Rangarajan judgment, by prohibiting strikes in all forms but leaving the right to lock-out untouched shifts the balance of power in favour of the employer class.