Strikebreaker: meaning, definitions and examples
⚒️
strikebreaker
[ ˈstraɪkˌbreɪ.kər ]
labor disputes
A strikebreaker, also known as a scab, is a person who works despite an ongoing strike or takes the place of a striking worker. They are often employed by companies to minimize the impact of strikes and keep operations running, which can lead to conflict with striking workers and unions.
Synonyms
foreigner, replacement worker, scab.
Examples of usage
- The company hired strikebreakers to continue production during the labor dispute.
- Many unions strongly oppose the use of strikebreakers.
- The presence of strikebreakers escalated tensions on the picket line.
Translations
Translations of the word "strikebreaker" in other languages:
🇵🇹 quebra-greves
🇮🇳 हड़ताल तोड़ने वाला
🇩🇪 Streikbrecher
🇮🇩 pemecah pemogokan
🇺🇦 страйкобре́кер
🇵🇱 łamańce strajkowe
🇯🇵 ストライキ破り
🇫🇷 casseur de grève
🇪🇸 rompedor de huelgas
🇹🇷 grev kırıcı
🇰🇷 파업 파괴자
🇸🇦 كاسر الإضراب
🇨🇿 stávkový rozbíječ
🇸🇰 rozbíjač štrajkov
🇨🇳 打破罢工的人
🇸🇮 razbijač stavk
🇮🇸 verkfallsbrotari
🇰🇿 митингті бұзушы
🇬🇪 შეტევის დამრღვევი
🇦🇿 tutqun pozan
🇲🇽 rompedor de huelgas
Etymology
The term 'strikebreaker' emerged in the late 19th century during a period of increased labor unrest in the United States. Its origins can be traced back to a combination of the words 'strike' – referring to the organized refusal to work by employees – and 'breaker,' which implies someone who disrupts or undermines that action. The usage of strikebreakers has historically been a contentious issue, as they are often seen as undermining the efforts of workers striving for better conditions. During the height of industrialization, strikebreakers were employed by company owners to maintain production continuity, even when workers were demanding fair wages and improved working conditions. They played a critical role during several significant labor strikes, which only intensified the animosity between labor unions and employers. The term has retained its negative connotation in labor movements, and organizations advocating for workers’ rights typically condemn the practice of hiring strikebreakers as a means to weaken collective bargaining efforts.