1) Both strikes and lockouts are associated with the workforce in businesses and corporations. A strike refers to the labor collectively deciding not to work until their demands are met. Lockouts are the other way round and comprise of the employers keeping the workers out, until they meet certain demands. 2) A lockout is a temporary denial of employment. It is a tool used by the management of a company during a labor dispute in order to force financial concessions and compliance from employees, in this case the Musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra. This is different from a strike, in which employees refuse to work in order to achieve gains in compensation and/or working conditions from an employer. A lockout is usually implemented by simply refusing to admit employees onto company premises and may include actions such as changing locks and hiring security guards for the premises. In the case of the Minnesota Orchestral Association, a lockout was initiated on October 1st and included the cancellation of the first eight weeks of the 2012-2013 season of the Minnesota Orchestra, as well as the cancellation of all salary and benefits to the Musicians. Management has now extended concert cancellations through April 7th, putting the entire 2012-2013 season at risk. Industry analysts have observed that regular cancellation announcements are a common tool used by employers to pressure employees into accepting sharply concessionary contract terms.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 17:12:46 +0000