secondary boycott: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No, its legality varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, most secondary boycotts are prohibited under the National Labor Relations Act. In other countries, like the UK, certain forms of 'secondary action' were restricted but not entirely outlawed, though the legal landscape is complex.

A primary boycott is a direct refusal by a group to deal with the party with which it has a dispute (e.g., workers refusing to work for their employer). A secondary boycott involves pressuring neutral third parties (like suppliers or customers) to also cease dealings with that primary party.

Yes, consumer-led campaigns that urge people to boycott not just a company but also its business partners (e.g., 'don't shop at stores that sell this brand') are a form of secondary boycott. These are generally legal for consumers, unlike certain union-led versions.

They are controversial because they extend a labour dispute to parties not directly involved in the original conflict, potentially harming neutral businesses and employees. Proponents argue they are an effective tool for workers with limited power; opponents see them as coercive and economically disruptive beyond the primary dispute.

A boycott in which a group pressures others to stop doing business with a company that is the primary target of a dispute.

Secondary boycott is usually formal, technical, legal in register.

Secondary boycott: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənd(ə)ri ˈbɔɪkɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənˌdɛri ˈbɔɪkɑt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.