A lockout is a temporary work stoppage initiated by an employer to pressurise employees during a dispute over terms of employment. This tactic is employed during collective bargaining negotiations, primarily as a counter to a strike threat, where an employer preempts any labor action by denying workers access to the workplace. Unlike a strike, where employees voluntarily stop working to protest conditions, a lockout is distinctly employer-driven, leveraging economic strain to influence labor agreement terms.
The use of lockouts varies by country due to legal frameworks governing labor relations. In some regions, lockouts are heavily regulated or restricted, acknowledging their potential to escalate labor conflicts and impact economic stability. Employers might also implement a lockout to ensure safety in workplaces if continued operations during a dispute could lead to accidents or disruptions. The strategy is controversial, often criticised for exacerbating industrial relations and affecting non-participating stakeholders such as consumers and the community. The resolution of a lockout typically involves negotiation and compromise, leading to renewed labor contracts and the resumption of normal operations.