Major work stoppages idled 72,000 workers for nearly two million workdays in 2008, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

In 2008, the number of workers idled declined by more than half compared with 2007 when there were 189,000 workers idled for 1.3 million workdays. In 2008, the largest work stoppage in total days idle and number of workers was between the Boeing Company and the International Association of Machinists Districts 24, 70, and 751 with 27,000 workers accounting for 1,053,000 lost workdays.

In 2008, there were 15 major lockouts and strikes involving 1,000 or more workers compared with 21 major work stoppages in 2007. Of the 15 major work stoppages beginning in 2008, 12 were in private industry and three were in State and local government. In private industry, seven work stoppages occurred in goods - producing industries along with five in service - producing industries. All three major work stoppages in State and local government were in educational services.

The longest work stoppage that began in 2008 was between American Axle & Manufacturing, Incorporated and the United Auto Workers International Union Locals 235, 262, 424, 846, and 2093, which was 63 days. Another long stoppage, between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and the Writers Guild of America West and East, was in effect in 2008 (having begun in November of 2007 and ending in February 2008) and lasted 68 days. The mean length of a major work stoppage in 2008 was 14.9 days, up from 10.5 days in 2007. However, the majority of work stoppages in 2008 were shorter with nine lasting 10 days or less.

The major work stoppages series, which dates back to 1947, covers strikes and lockouts involving 1,000 or more employees and lasting at least one full shift. For work stoppages that began prior to 2008, only days of idleness in calendar year 2008 are counted.