If collective bargaining talks break down, what can occur?

• A. Rule changes automatically happen.
• B. Strikes or lockouts.
• C. Immediate league expansion.
• D. No effect.

Answer: (B)

When bargaining talks break down, the most likely outcome is a labor action such as a strike by players or a lockout by owners. A strike happens when players refuse to work until an agreement is reached on pay, benefits, and other terms. A lockout occurs when management prevents players from working, using the bargaining impasse to push for terms in the new agreement. These actions are tools to apply pressure and move negotiations forward. Rule changes don’t occur automatically without a formal negotiation and approval process, league expansion isn’t a direct or immediate result of a bargaining breakdown, and claiming there would be no effect ignores the disruption and leverage involved in a failed negotiation.