work stoppage

noun

: concerted cessation of work by a group of employees usually more spontaneous and less serious than a strike

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Filming in Los Angeles continued to decline across most categories to start the year as Hollywood braces for a potential work stoppage. —

Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Apr. 2023 But no doubt the MLB Players Association would file a grievance over harsh working conditions, perhaps leading to another work stoppage. —

Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2023 Adjustments have been put in place to menus in case of a work stoppage. —

Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 15 Mar. 2023 After a 2020 season shortened because of the coronavirus pandemic, a 2021 season that dealt with its lingering effects and a 2022 season delayed by a work stoppage, 2023 figures to be Major League Baseball’s true return to normalcy. —

Nathan Ruiz, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2023 Unions representing rail workers have since rejected the deal, setting up the impending work stoppage. —

Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 1 Dec. 2022 Customers have been notified recently about the possibility of a work stoppage, the release added. —

Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 15 Mar. 2023 Shortly before Saturday’s rally, the School Committee and Galvin, who oppose a work stoppage, announced that the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board concluded the Woburn Teachers’ Association was about to engage in a strike in violation of state law. —

John Hilliard, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Jan. 2023 With the new labor deal running through the end of the 2026 season, clubs can operate with certainty regarding business operations and fans can invest emotionally without worrying about a work stoppage. —

Scott Miller, New York Times, 9 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'work stoppage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of work stoppage was in 1943

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Work stoppage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20stoppage. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

Copy Citation

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.”