Unofficial strikes by British firefighters spread to several parts of the country in protest of reported changes to pay increases agreed to after stoppages dating to last year.
Compared with previous work stoppages, a firm lockout date loomed over last season, giving teams ample time to plan.
Belgium takes the lead in stoppage time to secure a date with Brazil in the quarterfinals.
That prompted New Jersey doctors to set a date for their work stoppage, said Dr. Alan Zaccaria, president of the Monmouth County Medical Society.
A Unite Here spokeswoman said workers will be voting on having open-ended strikes, meaning there will be no set date for the work stoppages to end if they begin.
The referee can ask the television match official to rule on any incident in the lead-up to a try, dating back to the last stoppage in play.
The Lemieux stoppage represented his 21st consecutive knockout, a streak dating back to when he was fighting eight-rounders during George W Bush's administration.
As owners and players appear headed toward another work stoppage -- only five days left, Kmart shoppers -- the date of Sept. 11, as sacred as any in American history, is being tossed around by players and others in the sport like a baseball in a game of catch.
The players association is expected to set a strike date today, setting in place a deadline that could lead to baseball's first work stoppage in eight years.
After the players set their strike date Friday, Denny Hocking, the Twins' player representative, was asked about the effect a work stoppage could have on the team.
