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.

例句

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.
公司的管理团队被突如其来的按章工作运动打了个措手不及，难以与工会达成解决方案。
The union voted to implement a work to rule campaign to protest the company's proposed wage cuts.
工会投票决定实施按章工作运动，以抗议公司提出的减薪计划。
The work-to-rule campaign lasted for two weeks, resulting in a significant slowdown in productivity.
按章工作运动持续了两周，导致生产力显著放缓。