Main Differences between Strike and Protest
Strike
- A strike is a form of industrial action taken by workers or their trade unions to protest labour-related issues such as wages, working conditions, or disputes with employers.
- Strikes in Ireland are regulated by the Industrial Relations Act 1990 and the Workplace Relations Act 2015.
- Workers typically engage in strikes to demand improvements in their employment terms, negotiate collective agreements, or address grievances.
- Strikes usually involve the temporary cessation of work by employees, affecting their employer's operations.
- Employers, employees, and unions must adhere to specific procedures outlined in the legislation, such as notifying the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in advance of the strike action.
- Strikes are often subject to legal requirements, including ballots among union members, before they can be authorized and carried out.
- Strikes can result in negotiations between the parties involved to resolve the underlying issues.
Protest:
- A protest is a form of public demonstration or expression of dissent on various issues, not limited to labour matters, and can be organised by individuals, groups, or organisations.
- Protests in Ireland are generally protected under the Constitution, specifically under the right to freedom of assembly and association.
- Protests can encompass a wide range of issues, including political, social, environmental, or human rights concerns.
- Unlike strikes, protests do not necessarily involve a work stoppage or the direct engagement of employees and employers in labour disputes.
- Protesters often gather in public spaces, march, hold rallies, or engage in other forms of public expression to draw attention to their cause.
- The organisation and conduct of protests may be subject to certain regulations, such as obtaining permits for large gatherings in certain areas, to ensure public safety and order.
- The government and law enforcement agencies typically play a role in managing and facilitating peaceful protests, ensuring the right to protest is exercised while maintaining public order.
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