work to rule - Definition & Meaning

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 conditionsa 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

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.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.

Examples