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work stoppage
noun
: concerted cessation of work by a group of employees usually more spontaneous and less serious than a strike
Examples of work stoppage in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With the window for the union to strike opening on Tuesday, March 5, union members stand prepared to engage in a work stoppage if necessary.
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Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Despite a national downturn in production, as the industry grappled with the effects of the multiple union strikes and work stoppages, spending was poised to hit $600 million in 2024.
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Meredith Ogilvie-Thompson, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025
Tayfun Coskun | Anadolu | Getty Images A union representing thousands of Costco employees voted to authorize a strike, paving the way for a work stoppage if the labor group and retailer do not reach an agreement.
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Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025
The deal avoids an economically crippling work stoppage that could've started as soon as next week.
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Emily Peck, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1943, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near work stoppage
Cite this Entry
“Work stoppage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20stoppage. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.
Legal Definition
work stoppage
noun
: a cessation of work by employees as a job action
Note: Work stoppage is often used to refer to a cessation of work that is less serious and more spontaneous than one referred to as a strike. As used in the Labor Management Relations Act strike refers to “any…concerted stoppage of work by employees…and any concerted slowdown or other concerted interruption of operations by employees.”
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