What is the term for when workers refuse to work for a defined period to express grievances?

The term for when workers refuse to work for a defined period to express grievances is a strike. A strike is a collective and organized action taken by employees, typically through their unions, to protest against working conditions, wages, layoffs, or other workplace issues. It serves as a powerful tool for workers to voice their discontent and push for changes or improvements from their employer.

Strikes can be effective because they disrupt normal operations, making it clear to employers the seriousness of the workers' concerns. This action generally takes place after negotiations have failed or when workers feel their demands are not being adequately addressed.

Other terms related to employee actions, such as work to rule, picketing, and sit-ins, represent different forms of protest or industrial action but do not involve a complete refusal to work for a set period. Work to rule involves employees following all regulations and protocols strictly, potentially slowing down production. Picketing usually involves workers standing outside the workplace to inform others about their grievances, while sit-ins involve employees occupying a space but not necessarily refusing to work in the same manner as a strike. Thus, strike is the most accurate term for this specific action.