secondary picketing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “secondary picketing” mean?
The act of picketing a business or workplace that is not directly involved in a primary labor dispute, typically to apply pressure on the primary employer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of picketing a business or workplace that is not directly involved in a primary labor dispute, typically to apply pressure on the primary employer.
A labor union tactic where workers picket a neutral or secondary employer (such as a supplier, customer, or contractor of the primary employer) with whom the union has no direct dispute, to disrupt the primary employer's operations and strengthen the union's bargaining position.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Legal status and usage differ significantly. In the UK, it is generally unlawful under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, with specific exceptions. In the US, it is largely prohibited under the National Labor Relations Act (Taft-Hartley Act), but its definition and application can be more complex, related to 'common situs' picketing.
Connotations
In both contexts, it often carries negative political/legal connotations (seen as disruptive, coercive, or unfair) in official discourse, but may be viewed positively within certain union circles as a legitimate solidarity tactic.
Frequency
More frequent in UK legal/political discourse due to specific statutory framework. In the US, the more common term is often 'secondary boycott,' with 'picketing' being one form of that action.
Grammar
How to Use “secondary picketing” in a Sentence
The union was accused of [secondary picketing].The law strictly prohibits [secondary picketing].They engaged in [secondary picketing] at the supplier's depot.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secondary picketing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The union was found to have secondarily picketed the delivery firm.
- The law prevents them from secondary picketing.
American English
- The NLRB ruled the union had engaged in secondary picketing.
- The contractor sued for being secondarily picketed.
adverb
British English
- The picket was acting secondarily, targeting the logistics hub.
- They protested secondarily at the head office.
American English
- The union was picketing secondarily at the corporate headquarters.
- The action was seen as secondarily targeting neutral parties.
adjective
British English
- Secondary picketing activity is tightly controlled.
- They faced an injunction for secondary picketing actions.
American English
- The secondary-picketing ban was upheld by the court.
- They were accused of secondary-picketing violations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in risk assessments regarding supply chain disruption during industrial disputes.
Academic
Analyzed in industrial relations, law, and political science papers on union tactics and labor law.
Everyday
Rarely used. May appear in news reports about major strikes or labor law debates.
Technical
A precise legal term in employment law, defining a prohibited or restricted activity with specific tests for liability.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secondary picketing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secondary picketing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secondary picketing”
- Using it to refer to any picketing during a strike (it must be at a *different* employer).
- Confusing it with a general 'secondary boycott' (which includes consumer actions).
- Capitalizing the term unnecessarily.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is heavily restricted or prohibited in many countries, including the UK and the US. Its legality depends on specific national labor laws.
Primary picketing occurs at the workplace of the employer with whom the union has the direct dispute. Secondary picketing targets a different, often neutral, employer (like a supplier or customer) to apply indirect pressure.
In some jurisdictions, under very specific conditions. For example, in the UK, it might be lawful if the secondary employer is directly assisting the primary employer in resisting the strike (e.g., by supplying strikebreakers).
To increase economic pressure on the primary employer by disrupting its supply chain, distribution networks, or key business relationships, thereby strengthening the union's bargaining power.
The act of picketing a business or workplace that is not directly involved in a primary labor dispute, typically to apply pressure on the primary employer.
Secondary picketing is usually technical/formal in register.
Secondary picketing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənd(ə)ri ˈpɪkɪtɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənˌdɛri ˈpɪkɪtɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To spread the picket line”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think SECONDARY school is not your PRIMARY school. SECONDARY picketing is not at the PRIMARY employer, but at a related, SECONDARY one.
Conceptual Metaphor
LABOR DISPUTE IS WAR. (Secondary picketing is 'attacking the supply lines' or 'encircling' the primary employer.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of secondary picketing?