Lockout (industry) Definition
A lockout is a work stoppage in which an employer prevents employees from working. This is differentiated from a strike, in which employees refuse to work. Typically, a lockout happens when only part of a trade union, such as that representing one geographical region, votes to strike. The purpose of a lockout is to put pressure on a union by reducing the number of members who are able to work.
For example, if part of the workers strike so that the work of the rest becomes impossible or less productive, the employer may declare a lockout until the workers end the strike.