Lockout Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lockout
[ˈlɒkaʊt ]
Definition
workplace situation
A lockout refers to a situation in which an employer prevents employees from entering the workplace, typically during a labor dispute. This action is often a response to a strike or can be part of negotiation tactics in labor relations. The aim is to compel employees to accept the employer's terms, such as wage cuts or changes in working conditions. Lockouts can affect not only the employees and employers involved but also the supply chain and customers.
Synonyms
shutdown, stoppage, suspension.
Examples of usage
- The company initiated a lockout during the negotiations.
- After the strike, the management decided on a lockout.
- Employees were frustrated due to the lengthy lockout.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Labor Relations
- Lockouts often occur during labor negotiations, when employers seek to pressure employees by denying them work.
- Historically, they are used as a counter-measure to strikes, changing the dynamics of negotiation.
Historical Context
- One of the notable lockouts happened in 1919 during the Seattle General Strike, impacting many industries.
- In 2011, the National Football League experienced a lockout that halted all team activities for months, illustrating the tensions in professional sports.
Legal Aspects
- The legality and consequences of a lockout can vary by jurisdiction and are often tied to labor laws.
- Workers may be entitled to benefits or compensations under certain conditions during an unauthorized lockout.
Pop Culture
- Lockouts have been dramatized in various TV shows and movies, depicting the struggles between workers and corporations.
- The term has also been used metaphorically in gaming and tech, describing situations where access is denied or restricted.
Origin of 'lockout'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'lock' with 'out', suggesting the action of locking someone out of a place.
- It first appeared in the context of labor disputes in the late 19th century.
The word 'lockout' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'lock' and 'out'. The term 'lock' refers to the mechanism used to secure a door or access point, while 'out' indicates being outside or excluded. The use of lockouts as a labor relation strategy gained prominence during a time when labor unions were increasingly assertive, and employers sought ways to protect their interests. Initially describing the physical act of locking employees out, the term evolved to encompass various employer strategies during strikes and negotiations. Its usage in legal and industrial contexts has solidified over time, making it an essential term in discussions surrounding labor relations.