What is a "lockout" in labor relations?

A "lockout" in labor relations refers specifically to an employer's refusal to allow employees to work during disputes, usually related to contract negotiations or labor disagreements. This tactic is often employed by employers as a means of exerting pressure on the employees or their union when negotiations have stalled or when the employer seeks to achieve specific concessions. By restricting access to the workplace, the employer aims to influence the bargaining process, often prompting employees to reconsider their positions or the strategies being used by their union.

The other choices do not accurately capture the definition or purpose of a lockout. The notion of employees voluntarily leaving their jobs does not align with the concept of a lockout, which is fundamentally an action taken by the employer. A protective measure for employees during negotiations and a method to negotiate salary increases are also not representative of a lockout since they imply cooperative engagement or employee-initiated strategies rather than an employer imposing a work stoppage. Thus, the correct interpretation of a lockout is firmly rooted in the context of employer strategies during labor disputes.