Who has the authority to approve work stoppages in a local union?

The authority to approve work stoppages in a local union typically lies with the International President. This is because the International President oversees the broader union structure and is responsible for maintaining the union's integrity and strategic direction. Work stoppages are significant actions that can have wide-reaching implications for negotiations, labor relations, and organizational strategy. Therefore, having approval from the International President ensures that such decisions are aligned with the union's objectives and policies, and are made with consideration of the potential consequences for both the local union members and the organization as a whole.

In contrast, while the General Membership, Local President, and Executive Committee play important roles in the union’s operations and decision-making processes, their authority is generally more localized or specific to particular issues. The General Membership may vote on various matters, including resolutions about strikes, but this is often done within the framework set by the International union's guidelines. The Local President and Executive Committee may also facilitate discussions and propose actions but do not have the final authority to implement a work stoppage without higher-level approval.