Major Work Stoppages (or Dearth Thereof) in 2010

 

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In 2010, there were 11 major strikes and lockouts involving 1,000 or more workers and lasting at least one shift, the second lowest annual total since the major work stoppages series began in 1947, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.  The series low for major work stoppages beginning in a calendar year was 5 in 2009.  The 11 major work stoppages in 2010 idled 45,000 workers for 302,000 lost workdays, a large increase compared to 2009 record lows, with 5 stoppages idling 13,000 workers for 124,000 lost workdays.

Average annual major work stoppages have continued to decline by decade.  From 2001-2010, there were approximately 17 major work stoppages on average per year, compared with 34 per year from 1991-2000, 69 from 1981-1990, and 269 from 1971-1980.  (See chart 1.)  Total days idle from major work stoppages from 2001-2010 have also declined over 90 percent from 1971-1980.  (See chart 2.)

Chart 1 and Chart 2

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This summary of work stoppages was released on 8 February 2011.  For more information, visit <bls.gov>.




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