1996 Major Work Stoppages (Annual) — 1997-02-20

The number of major work stoppages rose in 1996, after dropping to a record low in 1995, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The number of workers idled by stoppages also increased. Both of these work stoppage measures still were low by historical standards. The days of idleness resulting from major work stoppages declined over the year. Thirty-seven major work stoppages began during 1996, idling 273,000 workers and resulting in about 4.9 million days of idleness (about 2 out of every 10,000 available work days). Comparable figures for 1995 were 31 stoppages, 192,000 workers idled, and 5.8 million days of idleness. (See table 1 and charts 1-3.) The series, which dates back to 1947, covers strikes and lockouts involving 1,000 workers or more and lasting at least one shift. Of the 37 major work stoppages beginning in 1996, 31 were in the private sector, including 15 in manufacturing and three each in construction and health services.