situs picketing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal/Legal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “situs picketing” mean?
A form of picketing in a labor dispute where union members protest at the primary or main location (the 'situs') of the dispute, typically their own place of employment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of picketing in a labor dispute where union members protest at the primary or main location (the 'situs') of the dispute, typically their own place of employment.
Refers to lawful picketing activity focused directly on the employer involved in the dispute, as opposed to secondary locations. It is a key legal concept distinguishing protected primary activity from potentially unlawful secondary action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively used in American labor law and discourse. British labour law does not use the term 'situs picketing' but has related concepts distinguishing between primary and secondary action, often referred to simply as 'primary picketing'.
Connotations
In American English, it connotes lawful, protected union activity. In British English, the absence of the specific term means the concept is framed within broader discussions of trade union law and 'lawful' vs. 'unlawful' picketing.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English; moderately low but established in American legal and industrial relations contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “situs picketing” in a Sentence
The union [verb, e.g., *conducted*/*initiated*] situs picketing at the factory.Situs picketing [is/was] [adj., e.g., *lawful*/*protected*] under the Act.A ban on situs picketing [would]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “situs picketing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The union was prohibited from situs-picketing the supplier's warehouse.
- They threatened to situs-picket if talks broke down.
American English
- The union plans to situs-picket the main assembly plant starting Monday.
- The court ruled they could legally situs-picket.
adjective
British English
- The situs-picketing action was ruled lawful.
- They discussed situs-picketing strategies.
American English
- The NLRB reviewed the situs-picketing rules.
- A situs-picketing injunction was granted.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in HR and legal departments during labor negotiations or disputes to define permissible union activity.
Academic
Analyzed in law reviews, industrial relations journals, and political science papers on labor movement tactics and legal frameworks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A precise term in legal briefs, NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) decisions, and union strategy meetings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “situs picketing”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “situs picketing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “situs picketing”
- Pronouncing 'situs' as /ˈsɪtəs/ (like 'sitter') instead of /ˈsaɪtəs/ (like 'sight').
- Using the term to refer to any picketing at a physical location, missing its specific legal nuance.
- Confusing it with the related but distinct 'common situs picketing' (at a shared construction site).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the United States, situs (or primary) picketing is generally legal and protected under the National Labor Relations Act, provided it is peaceful and obeys other regulations.
Situs picketing targets the employer directly involved in the dispute at its own premises. Secondary picketing targets a neutral third party (like a supplier or customer) to pressure the primary employer, and is often restricted or illegal.
No, the specific term 'situs picketing' is an American legal term. UK law refers to 'primary' and 'secondary' action, with primary picketing at one's own workplace being generally lawful under specific conditions.
It is pronounced /ˈsaɪtəs/, with the first syllable sounding like 'sight'.
A form of picketing in a labor dispute where union members protest at the primary or main location (the 'situs') of the dispute, typically their own place of employment.
Situs picketing is usually formal/legal/technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SITe + US' picketing. It's picketing at OUR SITE, our primary workplace, not someone else's.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TARGETED SIEGE: Focusing pressure directly on the source of the conflict.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of 'situs picketing'?