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Work Stoppages in Pennsylvania Third-Lowest on Record
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The number of work stoppages in Pennsylvania last year fell to 43 -- the third lowest total recorded in the history of the commonwealth but more than 2002 and 2001.Stephen M. Schmerin, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry made the announcement during his keynote address today at the Labor Education Institute's symposium held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel here."This is an accomplishment that Pennsylvania can be proud of," Schmerin said. "In today's marketplace, it is important to keep our workers productive and businesses up and running."Schmerin said in 2003 that just 20 of the state's 67 counties reported at least one work stoppage -- resulting in 171,646 workdays lost for 10,174 workers."We can do better; we must do better," Schmerin said. "Work stoppages have an impact on the economy. While it is quite an accomplishment to have the third lowest total of work stoppages on record, we must continue to use labor- management cooperation resources as a means to further reduce the workers, businesses, families and customers affected by these unfortunate situations."During 2002, there were 18 work stoppages in the private sector, 12 in the public sector, resulting in a total of 7,853 employees losing a combined 139,011 work days.In 2001, there were 30 labor strikes in the private sector and six in the public sector. That year 5,000 workers lost a combined 97,793 workdays due to the work stoppages.Schmerin pointed out in his symposium address that the state is looking for more effective ways to use the state's 12 area Labor Management Committees to attract new businesses to Pennsylvania and encourage current employers to expand here.The Labor Education Institute's symposium is focusing on news ways of creating labor/management partnerships in the state's workplaces and communities. "Labor-management cooperation is a very powerful tool in our plan to rebuild Pennsylvania's economy," Schmerin told the gathering.Other highlights of the 2003 work stoppage numbers he announced today include:Public sector work stoppages decreased with a majority of those stoppages involving public school districts.Two strikes -- General Electric in January and Archdiocese of Philadelphia in September -- involved 4,146 employees or nearly 41% of the statewide total of employees involved.Pennsylvania work stoppage data is compiled by the Department of Labor & Industry's Center for Workforce Information & Analysis."