An impasse occurs when the parties aren’t able to move further toward settlement. Third-party involvement—

namely, arbitration, fact-finding, or mediation—is one alternative. Sometimes, though, a strike occurs.

Responding to the strike involves such steps as shutting the facility, contracting out work, or possibly replacing the workers. Boycotts and lockouts are two other anti-impasse weapons sometimes used by labor and management.? P-698