Legal Definitions - blue flu

Definition: Blue flu is a term used to describe a tactic used by law enforcement officers to protest labor conditions or policy changes. It involves calling in sick en masse to circumvent prohibitions against police strikes. This tactic is used when police officers cannot legally go on strike due to laws that criminalize organized police strikes.

• In 1971, police officers in New York City used the blue flu tactic to protest against low wages and poor working conditions. Over 20,000 officers called in sick, leaving the city vulnerable to crime.
• In 2014, police officers in St. Louis, Missouri used the blue flu tactic to protest against the mayor's decision to cut their pensions. Over 100 officers called in sick, causing a shortage of police officers on duty.

These examples illustrate how police officers use the blue flu tactic to protest against labor conditions or policy changes. By calling in sick en masse, they are able to show their dissatisfaction without breaking the law by going on strike.