Strikes and Lockouts

If a deadlock in the collective bargaining process cannot be resolved, an employer may revert to a lockout - or a union may revert to a strike. In a lockout, management shuts down company operations to prevent union members from working. This action may avert possible damage or sabotage to company facilities or injury to employees who continue to work. It also gives management leverage in negotiations. During a strike, union members refuse to work in order to put pressure on an employer. Many unions are reluctant to go on strike because of the financial losses their members would incur or the fear that a strike would cause the employer to go bankrupt. In addition, management has shown its willingness to hire replacements, and some strikes have ended with union workers losing their jobs.