The argument that the potential for strikes is a hindrance to hiring union workers took another blow last month, as the Labor Department reported that major work stoppages in the U.S. dropped to a record low of 19 in 2002. Only three of those 19 work stoppages were in the construction industry.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor statistics reported that the U.S. has not experienced more than 40 major work stoppages in a year since 1991. A major work stoppage is defined as having at least 1,000 workers involved.

The stats are a barometer of good union-management relations - but they may also be an indicator of declining union clout.