Work Stoppages Summary
For release 10:00 a.m. (EST) Wednesday, February 8, 2012 USDL-12-0215
Technical information:
(202) 691-6275 Workstoppagesinfo@bls.gov http://www.bls.gov/wsp
Media contact:
(202) 691-5902 PressOffice@bls.gov
MAJOR WORK STOPPAGES IN 2011
In 2011, there were 19 major strikes and lockouts involving 1,000 or more workers and lasting at least
one shift, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The 19 major work stoppages in 2011
idled 113,000 workers for 1.02 million lost workdays, a large increase compared to 2010 with 11 major
work stoppage idling 45,000 workers for 302,000 lost workdays. In 2009, there were record lows of 5
major work stoppages idling 13,000 workers for 124,000 lost workdays. (See table 1.)
The longest work stoppage beginning in 2011 was between American Crystal Sugar Company and the
Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers, Sugar Council. The ongoing work stoppage
began in August and has lasted throughout the remainder of 2011 (105 workdays) with 1,300 workers
accounting for 136,500 lost workdays. The largest work stoppage in 2011 in terms of number of workers
and total workdays idle was between Verizon Communications and the Communications Workers of
America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, with 45,000 workers accounting for
450,000 lost workdays. (See table 2.)
This release includes information for the work stoppage between the National Football League (NFL)
and the NFL Players Association. The work stoppage between the National Basketball Association
(NBA) and the NBA Players Association involved fewer than 1,000 workers and is therefore not part of
this data series.
Last Modified Date: February 08, 2012
