INDUSTRIAL UNREST

Today let us explore a topic that connects deeply to the real world especially to workers, business
owners, and even our families, and that is Industrial Unrest.
Industrial unrest refers to disagreements between workers and employers, which can lead to
protests, strikes, or other work-related actions. It can cause serious problems not just inside the
company, but also in society and the economy.

Let’s begin by understanding the forms of industrial unrest or how it appears in the workplace.

 FORMS OF INDUSTRIAL UNREST

1. Strike
A strike happens when workers stop working completely to make their voices heard. This is usually
done when they are asking for better pay, fair treatment, or safer working conditions.
➡ Example: Factory workers went on strike after they didn’t receive their 13th-month pay.

2. Work-to-Rule
In a work-to-rule action, workers do only what is exactly written in their job description—nothing more,
nothing less. This slows down the work process and shows how important their extra effort usually is.
➡ Example: BPO agents did only what was written in their contract to protest against unpaid
overtime.

3. Picketing
Picketing is when workers gather outside their workplace with signs or slogans to let the public know
about their problems. They aim to get public attention and support for their cause.
➡ Example: Jeepney drivers picketed outside their terminal due to rising fuel prices without
government aid.

4. Lock-Out
A lock-out is done by the employer, not the workers. It means the company temporarily stops its
operations or doesn’t allow workers to enter the workplace, usually to pressure them to stop
protesting.
➡ Example: A garment company locked out its workers when they protested changes to overtime pay.

5. Boycotts
A boycott is when workers or consumers refuse to support or use certain products, companies, or
services to push for changes in working conditions or company practices.
➡ Example: Grocery staff boycotted a certain brand after the company refused to improve working
conditions.

6. Overtime Ban
In an overtime ban, workers agree not to work beyond their regular hours. This puts pressure on the
employer, especially if the company relies on overtime work to meet demands.
➡ Example: Nurses stopped taking overtime shifts due to delayed hazard pay during a health crisis.
Those are the forms industrial unrest can take. But why do these conflicts happen in the first place?
Let's look into the causes.

 CAUSES OF INDUSTRIAL UNREST

Let’s group the causes into three: economic, management, and political.
A. Economic Causes:
 These causes are related to money, benefits, and the overall financial situation of
workers. When workers feel that they are not being treated fairly in terms of pay or
safety, they often take action.
1. Low Remuneration
This means the salary or wages workers receive are too low and not enough for their basic needs like
food, shelter, and transportation.
➡ Example: A janitor protested after receiving below-minimum wage, which couldn’t cover daily food.

2. Poor Working Conditions

Unsafe or unhealthy environments reduce morale. Workers may experience harsh environments like
too much heat, no clean restrooms, or not enough breaks. This affects their health and motivation.
➡ Example: Factory workers complained about extreme heat and poor ventilation.

3. Bonus and Overtime Disputes

Unfair or delayed extra pay causes frustration. When employers delay or don’t give bonuses and
overtime pay as promised, workers feel cheated. These extra earnings are important, especially
during holidays.
➡ Example: Delivery riders protested after promised Christmas bonuses weren’t given.

4. Non-Safety Work Environment

Lack of protection leads to injury. Some workplaces do not provide proper safety equipment or
training. This puts workers at risk of accidents or injuries while doing their job.
➡ Example: A warehouse worker got injured because they didn’t receive safety gloves or helmets.

5. Non-Payment of Gratuity
This refers to the failure to give benefits like retirement or separation pay. After years of service,
workers expect to be rewarded, and not getting this causes unrest.
➡ Example: A retiring worker protested after not receiving separation pay after 25 years of service.

B. Management Causes:
 These causes are related to how a company or organization is run. If management is
unfair or does not listen to workers, problems may arise.
1. Preventing Union Membership
Some employers stop or punish workers who try to form or join unions. This limits the workers' right to
protect themselves and fight for better conditions.
➡ Example: Fast food workers were threatened with dismissal for forming a union.
 2. Breach of Collective Agreement
Agreements with unions are not followed. A collective agreement is a deal between the employer and
the workers' union. If management breaks the agreement, it leads to loss of trust and possible
protest.
➡ Example: Bus drivers protested when fuel allowances agreed upon were never given.

3. Inhuman Treatment
Workers are overworked or treated poorly. When workers are treated like machines—overworked,
disrespected, or denied basic needs—it causes emotional and physical stress.
➡ Example: Call center agents were forced to work 12 hours with limited breaks.

4. Defective Recruitment System

Hiring is unfair or biased. Unfair hiring or promotion practices—like favoritism or hiring unqualified
people—make workers feel unvalued and disrespected.
➡ Example: Workers felt demoralized when the boss’s relatives were promoted despite poor
performance.

5. Unlawful Termination
Firing without due process. This happens when a worker is fired without proper investigation, notice,
or valid reason. It violates labor rights and causes unrest.
➡ Example: A cashier was fired for speaking out about poor working conditions.

C. Political Causes:
1. Political Forces
Labor law changes cause confusion or conflict. Sometimes, new labor laws or government policies
create confusion or are seen as unfair by workers. This can lead to unrest, especially if these
changes affect job security, wages, or benefits.
➡ Example: Workers protested unclear government rules about “endo” or contractualization.

After learning the causes, let’s now see how industrial unrest affects people and companies.

 EFFECTS OF INDUSTRIAL UNREST

1. Economic Impact
Companies lose profits, and workers lose wages. When unrest happens, companies often stop
operations, which means they lose profits. At the same time, workers may not get paid, especially
during strikes or lock-outs, making it hard for them to support their families.
➡ Example: Workers couldn’t provide for their families during a month-long strike.

2. Social Impact
Creates division and tension in the community. Industrial unrest can create tension among workers
and even in the wider community. Some workers may join the protest, while others choose not to,
leading to arguments, judgment, and division.
➡ Example: Striking workers were judged by non-strikers, leading to workplace arguments.
 3. Legal Consequences
Leads to lawsuits or government intervention. Protests and strikes can sometimes result in legal
issues. This may include lawsuits, penalties, or even government action if the unrest becomes
disruptive or violates the law.
➡ Example: Union leaders in a construction company were sued for holding a mass protest.

4. Damage to Company Reputation

Companies lose trust from the public. When a company is known for treating workers unfairly or
facing frequent unrest, it loses the public’s trust. This can make customers stop supporting the
business and make it harder to attract new employees.
➡ Example: Former employees shared negative experiences on social media, making it hard to hire
new workers.

Now that we understand the effects, how can we solve or prevent these issues? Let’s see some
effective strategies.

 STRATEGIES TO MANAGE INDUSTRIAL UNREST

 These are steps employers and workers can take to prevent or reduce conflict in the
workplace. Good communication, fairness, and early action are key to keeping peace
and productivity.
1. Effective Communication
Keep open dialogue between workers and management. Management should regularly talk and listen
to workers to avoid misunderstandings. Open dialogue builds trust.
➡ Example: A bakery held weekly meetings where staff could voice concerns, reducing tension.

2. Fair Labor Policies

Implement clear rules about pay and working hours. Having clear and consistent rules about pay,
hours, and benefits helps prevent complaints and confusion.
➡ Example: A small business gained loyalty from employees by consistently paying on time with
proper contracts.

3. Collective Bargaining
Encourage discussions with labor unions. This means management and labor unions work together
to solve problems through negotiation rather than conflict.
➡ Example: Workers and management at a hotel reached a compromise on scheduling through
union negotiations.

4. Employee Engagement
Involve workers in decision-making. Letting workers be part of decisions makes them feel valued and
respected, which lowers the chance of unrest.
➡ Example: Security guards were asked for feedback before new shift rotations were implemented.

5. Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Provide safe and clear ways to file complaints. There should be a safe, clear process for workers to
report problems so they don’t feel ignored.
➡ Example: Employees submitted anonymous feedback through a dropbox, which helped solve
internal issues quietly.

6. Legal Compliance
Follow labor laws strictly. Companies must follow labor laws to avoid legal issues and keep good
relations with workers.
➡ Example: A company avoided disputes by obeying rules about hours, benefits, and termination.

7. Workplace Improvements
Upgrade the work environment. Improving working conditions shows that management cares about
employees’ well-being.
➡ Example: Employees in a hot warehouse were given cooling fans and proper lighting after raising
concerns.

8. Proactive Management
Identify issues early and act fast. Management should not wait for problems to grow. Acting early
helps stop unrest before it starts.
➡ Example: Managers regularly checked in with workers to spot dissatisfaction before it became
conflict.

 CONCLUSION:

Industrial unrest is more than just workplace protests, it is a reflection of deeper issues like unfair
treatment, poor working conditions, and lack of communication. When workers feel ignored or
disrespected, they take action to demand change. As we have seen, industrial unrest can lead to
serious economic, social, and legal problems for both employees and employers. However, it can
also be prevented. With open communication, fair policies, and mutual respect, both sides can work
together to create a peaceful and productive environment. Whether we become workers, managers,
or business owners in the future, understanding industrial unrest helps us value fairness, dialogue,
and the importance of treating everyone with dignity in the workplace.

Now that we’ve explored industrial unrest, I want you to reflect on what it means to be part of a
workplace. Whether you become an employee, a business owner, or even a leader someday, always
remember the value of fairness, communication, and respect. Think about how you would want to be
treated at work, and how you, too, can help create a peaceful and just working environment.
 ACTIVITY:

Instruction: You will create a digital poster about Industrial Unrest, focusing on either its causes, forms,
effects, or solutions. Just choose among the causes, forms, effects or solutions, not necessarily
covering all topics about industrial unrest. You can use any tool like Canva, MSWord, etc. The poster
should include a title, relevant visuals, and a short slogan or message. To avoid expenses, you can
directly send me the soft copy of your digital poster, just make sure to have it in a pdf file or just send it
to me as an image. Make sure you create your own poster, mind you, I can check if it’s from google or
any website. You can get some pictures from online but not the whole poster. Be creative.
Deadline will be on April 22, 2025 on our face-to-face meeting.