February 12, 2018
In 2017, there were 7 major work stoppages comprising 1,000 or more workers and lasting at least one shift, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. This represents the second lowest number of major work stoppages recorded in a year, with the lowest annual total being attributed to 2009 with 5. Additionally, major work stoppages beginning in 2017 idled 25,000 workers, the second lowest number of workers idled annually since 1947. The lowest number of workers idled was 13,000 in 2009.
The information industry sector had the most workers idled by a major work stoppage with 15,000 workers, which accounted for over half of all workers idled. Public administration accounted for the second largest number of workers idled by major work stoppages with over 5,000 workers, or a fifth of all workers idled.
For the 2017 period, the largest major work stoppage by days idle occurred between Charter Communications and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union with 345,600 total days idle and involving 1,800 workers. This work stoppage was one of two major work stoppages within the information industry, the second was between AT&T and the Communication Workers of America involving 13,200 workers and lasting one day. The work stoppage between the Chicago New Car Dealer Committee and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union involved 1,700 workers for a total of 56,100 days idle.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics