What are collective boycotts?

Collective bargaining groups sometimes want to be able to refuse to supply to, or to buy from, a particular customer or supplier, unless or until they reach agreement on terms and conditions with that customer or supplier. This is called a collective boycott.

In certain circumstances, a collective boycott may help the group achieve some of the benefits of collective bargaining. For example, attempts by small businesses to collectively bargain with a large customer or supplier without the ability to threaten and/or engage in a collective boycott can be ineffective where the target business refuses to negotiate with the group.

For more information, visit Collective bargaining and boycotts or our publication Small business collective bargaining guidelines.