There were no major work stoppages in the U.S. from November 2008 through May of 2009, making it the longest period since 1981 without a major strike, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

BLS says that since 1947 (the earliest data available), the smallest number of major work stoppages in a calendar year was 14 in 2003. During the 1947-1980 period there were many years with over 200 work stoppages. The year with the fewest work stoppages was 1963, with 181; the year with the most was 1952, with 470.

Major work stoppages are defined as strikes or lockouts involving more than 1,000 employees.

BLS publishes an annual major work stoppages news release each year in mid-February. The most recent annual work stoppages release is “Major Work Stoppages in 2008,” USDL 09-0150. Work stoppages data can be obtained from the Work Stoppages webpage.