In 2007 in Oakland, California, 481 garbage haulers (and Teamsters Uni

QUESTION

In 2007 in Oakland, California, 481 garbage haulers (and Teamsters Union members) were locked out by their employer for refusing to agree to pay a larger share of their health benefit costs. What does that mean?

A) The company fired the workers and replaced them permanently with nonunion workers.
B) The company hired other workers to drive the trucks while negotiations continued.
C) The company got a court to require the workers to stop picketing in front of the workplace.
D) The company got a court to require the workers to return to work while negotiations continued.
E) The company closed its doors and did not pay the workers.

ANSWER

Answer: E
Explanation: E) A lockout is a management tactic to put pressure on the union by closing the company and not paying the workers.