Work to rule

[PussyCat]

a form of protest in which employees do exactly what is stated in their contracts, and nothing more, in order to slow down production :

[exinilu]

to arrange and perform a work-to-rule:

[Nemroktany 0]

a job action in which workers cause a slowdown by doing only the minimum amount required by the rules of the workplace

[argey]

Job action consisting of working to rule.

[EdwardyHuche]

To work slowly by strictly following all work rules, usually in a work-to-rule job action, as part of unionized labor protest.

[Quadirdith 0]

Work-to-rule (also known as an Italian strike, in Italian: Sciopero bianco, or Slowdown in US usage) is a job action in which employees do no more than the minimum required by the rules of their contract or job, and strictly follow time-consuming rules normally not enforced. This may cause a slowdown or decrease in productivity if the employer does not hire enough employees or pay the appropriate salary and as such does not have the requirements needed to run at the level they desire. It is a form of protest against low pay and poor working conditions, and is considered less disruptive than a strike or lockout as obeying the rules is not susceptible to disciplinary action or loss of pay.
In practice there may be ambiguous conditions, for example a contract that requires working additional hours when necessary, or a requirement to work to operational requirements. In such cases workers have been recommended to ask for a written direction to carry out the work, which can be used as evidence if necessary.