Miranda Worthington, former NHS industrial relations director, and Josh Flax, former US federal mediator, compare how strikes work on either side of the Atlantic — covering the legal definitions, the difference between indefinite and rolling strikes, lockouts, workforce replacement and the reputational consequences for employers. Drawing on experience from the NHS strikes and the London tube dispute, they explain why public sector strikes are far more disruptive in the UK than their US equivalents. The first in a series on industrial action and collective bargaining.

They explore:

• What legally defines a strike
• The difference between rolling strikes and indefinite strikes
• Strike vs lockout: how employers respond in the US
• Why public sector strikes are more common in the UK
• How collective bargaining agreements shape industrial action
• The wider economic and reputational impact of strikes

Drawing on experience from NHS strikes and US federal mediation, this episode compares UK and US labour systems and explains why work stoppages unfold so differently on each side of the Atlantic.

If you want a clear explanation of how industrial action works — and what it means for employers, unions and government — this episode provides practical insight grounded in real-world negotiation experience.

About the Podcast

Negotient is the expert adviser in managing negotiations between the public and private sectors; we advise clients in both sectors how to get the best results from their negotiations. This podcast explores the strategies and behind-the-scenes mechanics that shape successful negotiations, and the factors that drive the interests of both sides. Our aim is to help those involved in public sector negotiations understand the challenges they face — and how to overcome them to deliver better results for the public.