A lockout is a work stoppage or denial of employment initiated by the management of a company during a labor dispute). It is a situation in which employers close a place of work and prevent workers from entering it until the workers accept the employers new proposals. Lockouts are usually implemented by simply refusing to admit employees onto company premises, and may include changing locks or hiring security guards for the premises). Lockouts are often used to force unionized workers to accept new conditions, such as lower wages, or to enforce specific terms of employment upon a group of employees during a dispute). Lockouts are referred to as the antithesis of strikes).

It is important to note that the term "lockout" can also refer to the practice of physically preventing workers from leaving a workplace, which is illegal in most jurisdictions).

It is worth mentioning that "lockout" can also refer to the process of de-energizing and securing equipment, machinery, or processes so hazardous energy isnt re-introduced during servicing or repair. This is known as lockout tagout and is a safety procedure that helps protect workers who routinely service equipment in the workplace.

In summary, a lockout is a work stoppage or denial of employment initiated by the management of a company during a labor dispute, usually to force unionized workers to accept new conditions or to enforce specific terms of employment upon a group of employees during a dispute).