When you think of social work ethics, strikes and union meetings might not be the first things that come to mind. But they’re part of the picture. Social workers aren’t just helpers—we’re workers, too. And sometimes, advocating for better client care means standing up for better working conditions.
That’s where Section 3.10 of the NASW Code of Ethics comes in. It acknowledges that labor disputes happen—and that social workers can take part, ethically and thoughtfully.
Here’s the full standard:
3.10 Labor–Management Disputes
(a) Social workers may engage in organized action, including the formation of and participation in labor unions, to improve services to clients and working conditions.
(b) The actions of social workers who are involved in labor-management disputes, job actions, or labor strikes should be guided by the profession’s values, ethical principles, and ethical standards. Reasonable differences of opinion exist among social workers concerning their primary obligation as professionals during an actual or threatened labor strike or job action. Social workers should carefully examine relevant issues and their possible impact on clients before deciding on a course of action.
This section acknowledges a reality: workplaces aren’t always just. Systems break down. Budgets shrink. Workers—social workers included—are often asked to do more with less. This part of the Code recognizes that labor action can be a legitimate, ethical way to advocate for better services and conditions.
That said, it's not a blank check. The Code reminds us that client impact must always be part of the equation.
Labor action is ethically permissible
You might see a question about a social worker joining a union. The correct answer could affirm the worker’s right to organize, especially if it's to advocate for clients or fair conditions.
Clients still come first
If a question involves a strike that could interrupt services, the test will likely ask how the social worker balances advocacy and care. Look for answers that include assessing client impact before taking action.
Disagreement isn’t unethical
An exam item might show two social workers debating whether to join a strike. The best answer might reflect that both perspectives can be ethically valid—it’s about careful consideration, not automatic right or wrong.
Ethical reflection is essential
Expect a scenario where a social worker must decide how to proceed during a job action. The best answer may involve reflecting on values like client well-being, professional integrity, and social justice.
One way this material might look on the licensing exam:
A group of social workers at a public hospital are planning to strike to protest unsafe staffing levels and excessive caseloads, which they believe are harming client care. One of the social workers is conflicted about participating, knowing that the strike could temporarily interrupt services to vulnerable clients. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the best course of action for the social worker?
A. Carefully weigh the ethical implications, including the potential impact on clients, before deciding whether to participate.
B. Refuse to participate in the strike to avoid abandoning clients.
C. Participate in the strike without hesitation, since improving working conditions ultimately benefits clients.
D. Ask the union to make exceptions for social workers to avoid ethical conflict.
Breaking it down:
B treats strike participation as inherently unethical, which the Code does not assert.
C skips the required ethical self-assessment and undervalues potential client harm.
D avoids decision-making and may not be feasible in practice.
Than leaves A -- correct because it aligns with Section 3.10(b), which explicitly calls for a careful ethical review of the situation and its impact on clients before acting.
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