Who is a Strikebreaker?

A Strikebreaker is a person who is hired to replace striking workers in order to keep a business or organization running during a labor strike. Strikebreakers are also known as scabs, a derogatory term used to describe someone who is willing to break a strike and take the jobs of striking workers.

Strikebreakers are often brought in by employers to perform the work of striking employees and break the solidarity of the striking workers. The use of strikebreakers is controversial, as it is seen by some as undermining the rights of workers to collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions.

Responsibilities of a Strikebreaker

The responsibilities of a Strikebreaker can vary depending on the specific job or industry, but generally, they include the following:

  1. Replacing Striking Workers: The primary responsibility of a strikebreaker is to perform the work of striking employees and keep the business or organization running during a labor strike.
  2. Breaking the Solidarity of Striking Workers: Strikebreakers are often brought in by employers to break the solidarity of striking workers and weaken the strength of their bargaining position.
  3. Following Company Policies and Procedures: Strikebreakers are expected to follow the same policies and procedures as the employees they are replacing, and to comply with safety and health regulations.
  4. Maintaining Productivity: Strikebreakers are expected to maintain or increase productivity levels to ensure the business or organization continues to operate efficiently.
  5. Adhering to Legal Requirements: Strikebreakers must comply with all relevant labor laws and regulations, and must not engage in any illegal activities such as violence or intimidation.

Why may employers hire Strikebreakers?

Employers may hire Strikebreakers for several reasons, including:

  1. Keeping Operations Running: When employees go on strike, employers may hire strikebreakers to perform the duties of the striking workers in order to keep the business or organization running.
  2. Breaking the Solidarity of Striking Workers: Strikebreakers can be used by employers to weaken the bargaining power of striking workers by breaking the solidarity of the strike.
  3. Maintaining Productivity: Strikebreakers can be used to maintain or increase productivity levels to ensure the business or organization continues to operate efficiently.
  4. Avoiding Lost Revenue: Employers may also hire strikebreakers to avoid lost revenue caused by a strike, as a strike can disrupt operations and cause financial losses.
  5. Legal Obligation: Employers may have legal obligation to provide goods and services and they may see strikebreaking as the only way to fulfill their obligation.

What is the process of hiring Strikebreakers?

The process of hiring Strikebreakers can vary depending on the specific circumstances, but generally follows these steps:

  1. Identification of Need: The employer identifies the need for strikebreakers, usually when employees go on strike and the company wants to keep operations running.
  2. Recruitment: The employer will then begin recruiting strikebreakers, either by advertising for the positions or by using a temp agency or other third party.
  3. Training: Before the strikebreakers begin working, they may receive training on company policies and procedures, safety and health regulations, and other relevant information.
  4. Hiring: Once the strikebreakers have been recruited and trained, they will be hired to replace the striking employees.
  5. Deployment: The strikebreakers will then be deployed to the worksite and begin performing the duties of the striking employees.
  6. Monitoring: Employers will monitor the performance of strikebreakers to ensure they are meeting productivity and quality standards, and that they comply with company policies and regulations.
  7. Termination: Once the strike is over, strikebreakers will usually be terminated, and the striking employees will return to their jobs.