Work to rule
phrase
Purposefully doing only the minimal work required by rules, as a form of industrial action.
The employees, dissatisfied with their pay, decided to work to rule until their demands were met.
Often appears as...
- decide to work to rule
- continue to work to rule
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Purposefully doing only the minimal work required by rules, as a form of industrial action.
The employees, dissatisfied with their pay, decided to work to rule until their demands were met.
Often appears as...
- decide to work to rule
- continue to work to rule
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Industrial Action
Work to rule is a protest tactic where employees perform their duties exactly as outlined, without extra effort.
During the industrial dispute, the workers began to work to rule, causing delays.
Pro Tip 2/3Minimal Compliance
This phrase implies minimal engagement without breaking the contract, usually to signal discontent.
To protest the new policy, the staff chose to work to rule.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Protest
Unlike strikes, work to rule is less disruptive and can be harder for employers to challenge legally.
The union members voted against a strike but agreed to work to rule instead.
Pro Tip 1/3Industrial Action
Work to rule is a protest tactic where employees perform their duties exactly as outlined, without extra effort.
During the industrial dispute, the workers began to work to rule, causing delays.
Pro Tip 2/3Minimal Compliance
This phrase implies minimal engagement without breaking the contract, usually to signal discontent.
To protest the new policy, the staff chose to work to rule.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Protest
Unlike strikes, work to rule is less disruptive and can be harder for employers to challenge legally.
The union members voted against a strike but agreed to work to rule instead.
Pro Tip 1/3Industrial Action
Work to rule is a protest tactic where employees perform their duties exactly as outlined, without extra effort.
During the industrial dispute, the workers began to work to rule, causing delays.
Pro Tip 2/3Minimal Compliance
This phrase implies minimal engagement without breaking the contract, usually to signal discontent.
To protest the new policy, the staff chose to work to rule.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Protest
Unlike strikes, work to rule is less disruptive and can be harder for employers to challenge legally.
The union members voted against a strike but agreed to work to rule instead.
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