What is the term for a work stoppage initiated by employees to express grievances?

The term for a work stoppage initiated by employees to express grievances is "strike." A strike is a collective action taken by workers, typically represented by a union, to protest working conditions, pay, or other employment-related issues. By ceasing work, employees aim to put pressure on their employer to address their concerns and negotiate for better terms. Strikes are often a last resort, used when negotiations or discussions between labor and management have reached an impasse.

In contrast, picketing usually occurs alongside a strike, where employees display signs and demonstrate outside their workplace to raise public awareness about their grievances. A boycott involves refusing to purchase goods or services from a company to protest its practices, which is a different form of action targeting consumer behavior rather than directly impacting workplace operations. A lockout is initiated by employers who prevent employees from working, typically as a counteraction to a strike or labor dispute, but it does not involve employees taking action themselves.