1992 Major Work Stoppages (Annual) — 1992-11-29

In 1992, the number of major work stoppages and amount of idleness were at the lowest levels recorded in the 45-year-old series, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Thirty-five major stoppages began during the year, resulting in 4.0 million days of idleness, or about 1 out of every 10,000 available work days. Another measure of work stoppage activity, workers involved (364,000), included 230,000 workers in a 2-day national railroad stoppage. The measure was, nonetheless, among the lowest recorded in the series, continuing the pattern that has generally prevailed for the last several years. (See table 1.) 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 35 major work stoppages beginning in 1992, 29 were in the private sector--including 12 in manufacturing and five each in construction and services.