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

But not all work stoppages fall under that definition, according to some experts. —Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 19 Feb. 2026

Management appears on track to propose a salary cap, which possibly could lead to a work stoppage that causes regular-season games to be canceled for the first time since 1995. —CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026

There is fear across the sport that the latter will initiate a work stoppage that could threaten part, if not all, of the 2027 season with players ready to oppose owners’ latest attempt to implement a salary cap. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026

But the specter of a work stoppage has loomed over the sport ever since. —Andy McCullough, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

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.”