Strikebreakers

Definition

Strikebreakers are individuals who are hired to work in place of union workers who are on strike, effectively undermining the labor action. They can be seen as controversial figures in labor disputes, as their presence can weaken the strikers' position and disrupt solidarity within the workforce. Strikebreakers often face hostility from striking workers and are sometimes referred to as 'scabs'.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Strikebreakers have been employed historically during labor disputes to replace striking workers, often leading to increased tensions between labor unions and management.
2. In Harlan County, the presence of strikebreakers was a significant factor in the violent confrontations that occurred between miners and those opposed to the strike.
3. Strikebreakers can come from various backgrounds, including local individuals desperate for work or out-of-town workers hired specifically to undermine strikes.
4. The use of strikebreakers is often seen as a tactic by employers to maintain production and reduce the impact of labor actions.
5. Legislation and public sentiment surrounding the use of strikebreakers have evolved over time, with some regions imposing restrictions on their employment during strikes.

Review Questions

• How did the use of strikebreakers affect the dynamics of labor strikes during the events depicted in Harlan County?
  • The use of strikebreakers in Harlan County significantly altered the dynamics of labor strikes by creating division among workers. Striking miners saw strikebreakers as traitors, which heightened tensions and led to confrontations. This tactic aimed at maintaining production while undermining the union's power contributed to an environment of hostility and violence, impacting solidarity among miners and their families.
• Discuss the ethical implications of hiring strikebreakers from both the perspective of management and labor unions.
  • From management's perspective, hiring strikebreakers is often viewed as a necessary business decision to maintain operations during a labor dispute. However, from the viewpoint of labor unions, it raises serious ethical concerns regarding solidarity and loyalty among workers. The presence of strikebreakers can be seen as a betrayal by those committed to fighting for better working conditions and wages. This ethical tension illustrates the broader conflict between profit motives and workers' rights.
• Evaluate the long-term effects that the actions taken against strikebreakers during strikes like those in Harlan County have had on labor relations in America.
  • The actions taken against strikebreakers during significant strikes, such as those in Harlan County, have had lasting impacts on labor relations in America. These confrontations often intensified anti-union sentiments among employers while simultaneously galvanizing union solidarity among workers. The legacy of violence and conflict surrounding strike actions has led to more organized labor movements seeking legislative protections for workers' rights. Additionally, these events have shaped public perception of unions and their struggles, influencing future labor negotiations and policies.

Related terms

Union: An organized group of workers who come together to make decisions about the terms and conditions of their work.

Labor Strike: A work stoppage initiated by employees to express grievances or demand changes in employment conditions, often related to wages, hours, or workplace safety.

Collective Bargaining: The process through which unions negotiate with employers on behalf of workers regarding wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.