Businesses aren’t typically in the business of keeping up with the latest slang. But it’s important to know about the concept of ‘blue flu’ – especially if your business is vulnerable to labor disputes.
Blue flu is a type of strike that involves law enforcement officers taking sick days. The name comes from the color of their uniforms. It can affect businesses, both large and small, in a number of ways. Here’s what you need to know about blue flu and its potential impacts.
What Is Blue Flu?
Blue flu is a type of labor action that law enforcement officers take to protest management policies or decisions. The officers report to work but then call in sick on the same day in a coordinated effort, which can result in public safety offices closing.
For a business impacted by a blue flu, this means that they don’t have the protection they need from local law enforcement. A business with a dispute going on involving employees, could suddenly find it has a larger problem on its hands.
The Impact of Blue Flu on Businesses
Blue flu means businesses need to be on guard for possible labor disputes that could interrupt their operations without warning. They have to take steps to hire additional security or police officers to protect their premises while law enforcement staff are unavailable.
If an employer is not prepared for a blue flu action, it can find itself in a difficult position and without the necessary protection to let their operations continue uninterrupted.
How Can You Prepare Your Business for a Blue Flu Action?
The best way to prepare your business for blue flu is to ensure your personnel and security policies are in line with labor laws and regulations. This will reduce the chances that a group of employees might stage a labor dispute.
Additionally, you should keep an eye out for possible signs of worker discontent and be ready to address them quickly in order to help prevent labor disputes, or a blue flu action, from taking place.
Lastly, you should create a plan to handle a blue flu – having a ready list of local security firms who can provide some protection during a period of law enforcement closure can help keep your business operations running smoothly.
Conclusion
Blue flu is a type of labor action that law enforcement officers take to protest management policies. It can have a negative impact on businesses, both large and small, which is why it’s important to know about its potential impacts and take steps to anticipate and address it. Through clear personnel and security policies, employee engagement, and a plan for handling a blue flu, you can protect your business and operations.