Shawn and his fellow firefighters refused to go to work. They were pic

QUESTION

Shawn and his fellow firefighters refused to go to work. They were picketing in front of the fire station. Their issues were lack of privacy in their sleeping area and lack of overtime pay. What is wrong with what is happening?

A) This is an example of a work slowdown, which is not protected under the National Labor Relations Act.
B) This sit-down strike, in which workers refuse to leave the workplace until a settlement is reached, is illegal.
C) The union did not authorize this wildcat strike, which leaves workers vulnerable to discipline by management.
D) Sickouts are not legally performed by members of public-employee unions, such as police officers.
E) Public employees, including members of police and firefighters’ unions, are not allowed to strike.

ANSWER

Answer: E
Explanation: E) Public employees, such as federal, state, and local government workers, are allowed to unionize, but most are prohibited by law from striking. This is the case with U.S. Postal Service and federal workers, for example, as well as for members of police and firefighters’ unions.