What is a "secondary boycott" in labor relations?

A secondary boycott in labor relations refers to a union action aimed at persuading other businesses or the public not to engage in commerce with an employer who is involved in a labor dispute. This strategy is typically employed in an effort to increase pressure on the target employer by targeting their business relationships and disrupting their operations indirectly. The goal is to leverage the union's collective power to encourage external parties to withdraw support from the employer, thereby amplifying the challenges faced by the employer and pushing for a resolution favorable to the union.

In the context of labor relations, this approach is a significant leverage tool for unions seeking to improve the terms and conditions under which they work. By rallying public, consumer, or other businesses' support against the employer in dispute, unions aim to create a broader impact than they could achieve through direct negotiations alone.