Lockout

/ˈlɒkaʊt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A situation in which employees are prevented from entering the workplace, typically used as a tactic during labor disputes.

The company initiated a lockout during negotiations with the union to enforce tougher terms.

The act of locking someone out or the state of being locked out.

After forgetting her keys, she was faced with a frustrating lockout from her apartment.

A temporary halt of certain operations or access for safety or security reasons.

The factory experienced a lockout due to safety violations detected during an inspection.

Etymology

The term is a combination of 'lock' and 'out', referring to locking out employees from the workplace.

Common Phrases and Expressions

lockout tagout

A safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to start up again until maintenance or servicing is complete.

permanent lockout

A lockout that lasts indefinitely until a resolution is reached or conditions change.

temporary lockout

A lockout implemented for a short period, often to negotiate terms.

Related Words

strike

A work stoppage initiated by employees to enforce demands.

negotiation

Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement between employers and employees.

work stoppage

A cessation of work initiated by employees or employers.

Slang Meanings

To be locked out of the job.

After the lockout started, the workers felt totally locked out of their jobs.

To get locked out of the workplace due to disputes.

They were locked out last week, and it’s starting to get serious.