Which scenario indicates a 'lockout'?

Which scenario indicates a 'lockout'?

• A. A group of employees ceasing work to protest
• B. An employer preventing employees from accessing the workplace
• C. An employee leaving work early due to disagreements
• D. A union negotiating for higher wages

Answer: (B)

A 'lockout' refers to a situation where an employer takes action to prevent employees from accessing their workplace, often during labor disputes or negotiations. In this context, when an employer locks out employees, they are essentially demonstrating their disagreement or response to employee actions, possibly related to disputes over wages, working conditions, or other labor issues. This serves as a strategic move by the employer, aiming to exert pressure on the workforce and disrupt their ability to work. The other scenarios involve employees taking action—such as ceasing work to protest or leaving early due to disagreements—which are acts of demonstration or personal choice rather than restrictions imposed by the employer. A union negotiating for higher wages is also a proactive measure taken by employees to seek improvements in their employment conditions but does not constitute a lockout. Thus, the scenario where the employer prevents employees from accessing the workplace specifically captures the definition and essence of a lockout.

A 'lockout' refers to a situation where an employer takes action to prevent employees from accessing their workplace, often during labor disputes or negotiations. In this context, when an employer locks out employees, they are essentially demonstrating their disagreement or response to employee actions, possibly related to disputes over wages, working conditions, or other labor issues. This serves as a strategic move by the employer, aiming to exert pressure on the workforce and disrupt their ability to work.

The other scenarios involve employees taking action—such as ceasing work to protest or leaving early due to disagreements—which are acts of demonstration or personal choice rather than restrictions imposed by the employer. A union negotiating for higher wages is also a proactive measure taken by employees to seek improvements in their employment conditions but does not constitute a lockout. Thus, the scenario where the employer prevents employees from accessing the workplace specifically captures the definition and essence of a lockout.