Final answer:
A strike is an organized cessation of work by union members to gain concessions from an employer. It's a part of the collective bargaining process between labor unions and employers. Strikes are used as a powerful tool in negotiating labor contracts and advocating for workers' rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
A strike is a union-organized work stoppage designed to gain concessions from an employer. Labor unions are organizations of workers that negotiate with employers to improve compensation and work conditions through a process called collective bargaining. During a strike, workers refuse to work until their demands, which often include higher wages, better working conditions, or improved benefits, are addressed. In certain situations, if a union strike is deemed disruptive, the president may declare a 'cooling-off period' where workers must return to work temporarily. Union workers in the United States typically receive higher average pay compared to non-union workers with similar education and experience, though union membership has seen a decline due to various factors such as globalization and changes in laws.