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

The village’s bargaining agreement with the union includes a no-strike clause barring the employees from a work stoppage. —Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025

The disaster has dealt a significant blow to Hollywood and its workers, who were already struggling from the effects of the pandemic, work stoppages and cost-cutting. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025

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

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.”