a strike or protest where workers leave their jobs; or an abrupt departure from a situation, typically as a form of protest.
Compound of 'walk' (from Old English 'wealcan') and 'out' (from Old English 'ūt'). Became a political term in the early 20th century during labor movements.
The first major walkout in American history was the Pullman Strike of 1894—it was so significant that it forced President Cleveland to deploy federal troops, establishing that labor protests were serious political events.
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