Seyfarth Synopsis: As the BLS reported more strikes in
2019, employers going into bargaining in 2020 should really
consider preparing for the possibility of a work stoppage.
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics issued its annual report
of "major work stoppages" in 2019 and the data shows
there were 25 "large strikes" in 2019 involving
approximately 425,000 workers. This total is up from 20 in 2018,
although the number of workers involved in 2019 decreased from
485,000 in 2018 to 425,000 in 2019. For a large strike to be
reported by BLS, it must involve over 1,000 workers who are off
work for at least one entire shift, either in the public or private
sector. The 2018/19 two year average is the highest in about 35
years.
