Strike breaking
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Strike breaking is the practice of using intimidation, coercion, legislation, or even violence to break the support for a union strike or to force strikers back to work.
Non-legislative measures usually involve the use of non-unionized replacement workers, derogatively referred to by union members as "scabs". Union busting uses similar tactics to sap support for a union or disrupt a union organizing campaign.
In the early days of unionization, the Pinkerton Detective Agency was notorious for its use of violence against unionized workers. However, there are many examples where even police forces and National Guard units have been used to "keep the peace" during strikes, while using most of its force against the workers.
