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
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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. 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. 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. Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025 The deal avoids an economically crippling work stoppage that could've started as soon as next week. Emily Peck, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for work stoppage 

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of work stoppage was in 1943

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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