Definizione e Significato di "work to rule"

Work to rule

SOSTANTIVO

lavoro a regole, sciopero di lavoro a regole

a labor strategy where employees intentionally perform their job duties strictly according to the rules and procedures, without going beyond what is explicitly required, as a means of protest or showing dissatisfaction with work conditions

Formal

Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "work to rule" and when to use it?

The idiom "work to rule" comes from labor union tactics, where workers follow the exact rules and procedures outlined in their contract, often resulting in a slowdown in productivity or a work stoppage. It has been in use since at least the 20th century. It is used to describe a specific type of labor protest or tactic, where workers deliberately slow down their work by adhering strictly to the rules and procedures outlined in their contract.

Example

The company's management team was caught off-guard by the sudden work-to-rule campaign and struggled to reach a resolution with the union.

Il team di gestione dell'azienda è stato colto di sorpresa dalla improvvisa campagna di sciopero di lavoro a regole e ha faticato a raggiungere un accordo con il sindacato.

The union voted to implement a work to rule campaign to protest the company's proposed wage cuts.

Il sindacato ha votato per attuare un lavoro a regole per protestare contro i tagli salariali proposti dall'azienda.

work to rule

to work to rule

FRASE

(of workers) to refrain from doing any extra work

to [work] to rule definition and meaning

Formal

Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "work to rule" and when to use it?

The idiom "work to rule" comes from labor union tactics, where workers follow the exact rules and procedures outlined in their contract, often resulting in a slowdown in productivity or a work stoppage. It has been in use since at least the 20th century. This phrase is used to describe a situation where workers follow only the exact rules and procedures outlined in their contract, rather than going above and beyond or using discretion.

Example

If the negotiations fail, the workers may decide to work to rule.

If their demands are not met, they will work to rule until further notice.