What does the term "wildcat strikes" refer to?

The term "wildcat strikes" refers to strikes that occur without formal union authorization, meaning that the union leadership has not called for the strike or does not officially support it. These strikes are often spontaneous and arise from workers' dissatisfaction or urgent grievances that they feel need immediate attention.

Wildcat strikes can be a response to a variety of issues, such as unsafe working conditions, unfair labor practices, or disputes over wages. Since they are not sanctioned by the union leadership, these strikes may lack official support and can lead to conflicts within the organization or between workers and management.

This term specifically highlights the actions taken by workers who choose to act independently of their union's formal structures, emphasizing the grassroots nature of their protests. This context is important when contrasting it with the other choices, which describe more organized or sanctioned actions that involve coordination with union officials and established protocols.