Strikebreakers (Scabs)

Definition

Strikebreakers, often derogatorily referred to as 'scabs,' are individuals who work despite an ongoing strike. They can be workers who cross picket lines to do their jobs, or they might be people hired to replace striking employees.

Analogy

Imagine you're playing a game of musical chairs and someone takes your chair while you're still in the game - that's what a strikebreaker does during a labor strike. They take the place of striking workers, undermining the collective action.

Related terms

Picketing: This is a form of protest where people (often workers on strike) congregate outside a place of work or location where an event is taking place. Pickets aim to dissuade others from going in, but scabs cross these lines.

Blacklisting: This is when employers list those who are associated with unions or strikes, making it difficult for them to find future employment.

Replacement Workers: These are individuals hired by employers as new permanent or temporary employees in order to keep operations running during a strike. They are similar to 'scabs' but may not necessarily cross picket lines if they were hired after the start of the strike.