What do you call when employers concertedly stop work as a result of a labor dispute?

The term used to describe a situation where employers collectively cease operations due to a labor dispute is known as a lockout. This action typically occurs in response to disputes regarding labor contracts and is a strategic measure taken by employers to exert pressure on employees or unions. During a lockout, employees are barred from entering the workplace and are not allowed to work, which can lead to significant disruptions in production and service delivery.

A lockout is distinct from a strike, where the employees themselves refuse to work. In a lockout scenario, the initiative comes from the employer, and it is often used as a tactic to counteract a strike or to negotiate terms when workers demand changes in their employment conditions.

Understanding the distinction between lockouts and other forms of work stoppage, such as strikes or labor withdrawals, is essential in labor relations and human resource management. Recognizing these terms helps to clarify the dynamics of labor disputes and the strategies employed by both employers and employees in negotiations.