A lockout is a work stoppage or denial of employment initiated by the management of a company during a labour dispute. In contrast to a strike, in which employees refuse to work, a lockout is initiated by employers or industry owners. ... For these reasons, lockouts are referred to as the antithesis of strikes.

What does lock in lock out mean?

phrasal verb. lock somebody/yourself out (of something) ​to prevent somebody from entering a place by locking the door. I'd locked myself out of the house and had to break a window to get in.

What is a lockout in a union?

A lockout occurs where an employer bars its unionized workers from entering the workplace until such time as they accept to work on the employer's terms and conditions. During a lockout, the employer may continue business operations with non-unit employees and temporary replacements.