Negotiations between union representatives and management came to a standstill at the Bet-You-Can Footwear Company. On the day employees went on strike, they along with the general public were asked by the union to refrain from buying the company’s products. The union was asking Bet-You-Can’s employees and the general public to participate in a(n) .

primary boycott

Explanation:

Primary boycott is said to occur when a company's labour union hinders the production, purchase, distribution and usage of the company's goods and services. Primary boycott is used as a means of settling Industrial disputes because it forces the management to negotiate with the workers. Primary boycott involves efforts directed at those that are generally involved.

From this question, the union asked the employees to stop production or distribution, and the general public to stop purchase or usage of the company’s products. This is an example of primary boycott.