Industrial action refers to the collective actions of wokers to reduce productivity in a workplace as a means of exerting pressure on the owners of a factory or even the government.

Usually, the reason for industrial action is an unresolved labour dispute between workers and managers in relation to working conditions. The first industrial action in Great Britain is said to have occurred back in 1768, when toppgallant sails were removed from ships leaving the ships unable to be used, in solidarity with London workers.

Industrial action is a key instrument for workers' resistance agaisnt abuses by allegedly unfair government or manager's regulations. Industrial action is protected by the European Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights signed in 1967.