STRIKEBREAKER

Definition of STRIKEBREAKER

STRIKEBREAKER Noun

Strikebreaker is a noun that refers to a person who works or continues to work during a strike, or someone who replaces workers who are on strike. It denotes an individual who undermines or disrupts a labor strike by maintaining production or service operations.

Person Who Works During a Strike: Strikebreaker describes a worker who continues to work during a labor strike, thereby disrupting the strike’s effectiveness and potentially diminishing its impact. This usage emphasizes the role of such individuals in undermining the strike’s goals. For example, “The company hired strikebreakers to maintain operations while the workers were on strike.”

Replacement for Striking Workers: The term strikebreaker can also refer to someone hired to replace workers who are on strike, taking over their duties and responsibilities. This highlights the impact of their presence on the dynamics of the strike. For instance, “The union was frustrated by the use of strikebreakers who were brought in to fill the positions of the striking employees.”

Contrast with Supporters or Pickets: Understanding strikebreaker helps differentiate it from supporters or pickets, who are involved in supporting the strike and advocating for the striking workers. While strikebreakers undermine the strike, supporters and pickets work to bolster its effectiveness. For example, “The strikebreakers were in direct opposition to the pickets, who were advocating for better working conditions.”

Role in Labor Disputes: Strikebreaker plays a significant role in labor disputes by affecting the outcome of strikes and influencing negotiations between employers and employees. Their presence can impact the bargaining power of striking workers. For example, “The use of strikebreakers led to a prolonged negotiation process as the union sought to address the issue.”

Historical and Social Contexts: The concept of strikebreaker has historical and social significance, often associated with labor movements and industrial conflicts. It reflects the tensions between labor forces and management during strikes. For instance, “Historically, strikebreakers have been a contentious issue in labor disputes, often leading to increased tensions and conflicts.”

Legal and Ethical Considerations: In legal and ethical contexts, the term strikebreaker may involve considerations related to labor laws, workers’ rights, and ethical practices during strikes. Understanding this term helps address issues related to the legality and fairness of employing strikebreakers. For example, “The legality of using strikebreakers varies depending on labor laws and regulations in different regions.”

Social Implications: Strikebreaker carries social implications related to solidarity, labor rights, and workplace dynamics. It highlights the impact of individual actions on collective efforts and the broader labor movement. For example, “The actions of strikebreakers can affect the morale and unity of striking workers.”

In conclusion, strikebreaker is a noun that refers to a person who works during a strike or replaces workers who are on strike, thereby undermining the strike’s effectiveness. Recognizing strikebreaker is essential for understanding its role in labor disputes, historical contexts, and social implications related to labor movements and negotiations.

RETIREMENT

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STRIKEBREAKER

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RESILIENCE

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INTERACTION

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Examples of STRIKEBREAKER in a sentence

• The union leaders condemned the use of strikebreakers during the labor dispute.
• The company hired several strikebreakers to keep production going during the workers’ strike.
• The presence of strikebreakers led to heightened tensions between the workers and management.
• The strikebreakers were often viewed with hostility by the striking employees.
• The role of a strikebreaker is controversial, as it can impact the outcome of labor negotiations.
• He was labeled a strikebreaker after crossing the picket line to continue working.
• The union organized protests against the use of strikebreakers to support their cause.
• The strikebreakers faced significant resistance and were sometimes targeted by striking workers.

Origin of STRIKEBREAKER

The word strikebreaker has its origins in English, emerging in the context of labor strikes and industrial actions. It refers to a person who continues to work or is employed to work in place of those on strike, thereby undermining the strike efforts.

• Old English/Proto-Germanic:
  • Strike (to hit, to deal a blow)
  • The word strike originates from Old English strican (to go, move, proceed), which later evolved to mean “to hit” or “to deal a blow.” Over time, it also came to represent organized work stoppages by labor groups in protest, symbolizing a collective blow against employers.
• English:
  • Breaker (one who breaks or disrupts)
  • The term breaker comes from the Old English word brecan (to break), which means to destroy or shatter. It evolved to refer to a person who disrupts or prevents something from continuing as intended.
• Modern English:
  • Strikebreaker (a person who undermines a labor strike)
  • The combination of strike and breaker first appeared in English in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during the rise of labor unions. Strikebreaker specifically referred to those who either continued to work or were hired to replace striking workers, often viewed negatively as they undermined collective labor actions.

The term strikebreaker emerged in Modern English, combining the meanings of strike (organized work stoppage) and breaker (someone who disrupts) to describe individuals who undermine the effectiveness of labor strikes. It retains its association with labor conflicts and union efforts to this day.

COMMEMORATION

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CONCESSIONARY

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STRIKEBREAKER

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COMPASSIONATE

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