What Are Strikebreakers Called Scabs?

A strikebreaker (sometimes called a scab, blackleg, or knobstick) is a person who works despite an ongoing strike. Strikebreakers are usually individuals who were not employed by the company before the trade union dispute, but rather hired after or during the strike to keep the organization running.

Why do they call strikebreakers scabs?

The term "scab" was first used in the 13th century to mean a nasty, itchy skin disease or the crust that forms on a wound. By 1806, the word "scab" arrived at its current meaning -- a strikebreaker who willingly crosses the picket line [source: Lexicon of Labor, Online Etymology Dictionary].

What does the union term scab mean?

Scabs is a derogatory name for union members who refuse to go out on strike or workers who are hired by businesses to replace striking workers. ... When workers went on strike, businesses could easily hire new laborers, known as scabs, to replace the striking workers.