What does the Bible say about workers going on strike?
The Bible makes no specific referencing to striking, though it does address the responsibility of workers to their employers:
1Pet. 2:17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
1Pet. 2:18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.
1Pet. 2:19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.
1Pet. 2:20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
1Pet. 2:21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
1Pet. 2:22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;
1Pet. 2:23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;
1Pet. 2:24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
Though Peter is speaking about slaves and masters, his teaching also sheds light on employer-employee relationships. Based on Peter's teaching, we caution against acting in defiance to an employer. If an employment contract or the laws of the land permit workers to strike, then it may be an acceptable choice, provided we act in kindness and respect for all authority. Harsh, hurtful language or threats of violence issued while we petition our employer would not be consistent with a godly Christian witness.
Nevertheless, our decision should be tested in one's heart. As Christians, we have liberty in all things, but we are called to obey the Lord and His word.
