Strikebreakers

Definition

Strikebreakers are individuals hired by employers to replace workers who are on strike, with the aim of maintaining operations and minimizing disruption caused by labor disputes. These individuals can be permanent employees or temporary workers, often viewed with disdain by striking workers and their unions. The presence of strikebreakers can escalate tensions between labor and management and significantly impact the outcomes of major strikes and labor disputes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The use of strikebreakers dates back to the early industrial era when labor unions began forming to demand better wages and working conditions.
2. Employers often resort to hiring strikebreakers during significant labor strikes to keep production running, making it harder for unions to achieve their goals.
3. The presence of strikebreakers can lead to violent confrontations between striking workers and those who take their places, as tensions rise over job security and loyalty.
4. Not all strikebreakers are willing participants; some may be forced into these roles due to economic necessity or lack of employment opportunities.
5. Laws regarding the use of strikebreakers vary by state in the U.S., with some regions imposing restrictions that protect the rights of striking workers.

Review Questions

• How do strikebreakers influence the dynamics between labor unions and employers during a strike?
  • Strikebreakers play a significant role in shifting the balance of power during a labor dispute by allowing employers to maintain operations while workers are on strike. This can weaken the impact of the strike, as production continues and revenue flows, potentially leading to a quicker resolution that favors the employer. The presence of strikebreakers often escalates tensions, as striking workers view them as undermining their collective efforts, creating an environment ripe for conflict.
• Discuss the ethical implications of employing strikebreakers during labor disputes, especially in light of worker rights.
  • Employing strikebreakers raises serious ethical questions about the rights of workers and the integrity of collective bargaining. It can be seen as an infringement on workers' rights to protest for better conditions, effectively diminishing their negotiating power. This practice also highlights the broader conflict between corporate interests and employee rights, as it puts profit motives against the fundamental need for fair treatment and respect within the workplace.
• Evaluate how the historical use of strikebreakers has shaped modern labor relations in the U.S. and influenced public perceptions of unions.
  • The historical use of strikebreakers has profoundly influenced modern labor relations by contributing to a legacy of mistrust between employers and unions. This practice often fosters negative perceptions of unions among certain segments of the public, viewing them as aggressive or obstructive rather than advocates for worker rights. Furthermore, it has led to more organized resistance strategies from unions, such as stronger solidarity actions and public campaigns aimed at protecting their members’ rights against exploitation through strikebreaking tactics. Understanding this history helps contextualize current discussions around labor rights and union representation in today's workforce.

Related terms

Union: An organized group of workers who come together to make decisions about the workplace and advocate for their rights and interests.

Scab: A derogatory term for a strikebreaker, often used to describe someone who takes the place of a striking worker and undermines collective bargaining efforts.

Collective Bargaining: The process in which representatives of labor unions negotiate with employers on behalf of workers to establish fair wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.