Relations · HR glossary

Lockout

A lockout is an employer-initiated exclusion of workers from work in connection with an employment dispute, subject to the applicable legal definition. It is different from a worker-initiated strike.

Example

During a collective dispute, an employer prevents covered workers from working and must consider the rules governing that action and its consequences.

What to keep in mind

A lockout is not simply an ordinary workplace closure. Legality, notice, pay and dispute-resolution requirements vary, so the term should not be used casually to describe any interruption in operations.

Further reading

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