The spelling of the word "strike breakers" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first part of the word, "strike," is pronounced as /straɪk/. The second part, "breakers," is pronounced as /ˈbreɪkərz/. The "k" sound at the end of "strike" is carried over into "breakers" with the addition of an "ər" sound. "Breakers" is also pronounced with a long "a" sound and a schwa sound at the end. Together, these two words form the compound noun "strike breakers," referring to individuals hired to replace striking workers.
Strike breakers, also known as scabs or strikebusters, refer to individuals or groups who are hired to work for a company during a labor strike in order to replace striking workers and keep the operations of the business running. Their main role is to mitigate the impact of the strike and allow the company to continue its activities, often at the expense of striking workers.
These strike breakers are typically non-union workers who are brought in by the company or by employment agencies with the intention of filling in the positions vacated by striking employees. The aim of strike breakers is to undermine the collective bargaining power and solidarity of the striking workers and to weaken the impact of the strike on the company.
Strike breakers have historically faced opposition from labor unions, who consider their actions as betrayals of workers' rights and efforts to disrupt the collective bargaining process. Strikers often view strike breakers as individuals who are willing to work under unfair conditions, contributing to the erosion of workers' rights.
The use of strike breakers is a controversial labor management practice, with many countries having laws and regulations that restrict or prohibit their employment during strikes. The presence of strike breakers can often inflame tensions between labor and management, leading to confrontations, protests, and sometimes violence between the striking workers and the strike breakers.
The word "strikebreaker" dates back to the early 20th century and combines the words "strike" and "breaker".
The term "strike" originated from the Old English "strīcan", meaning to go, proceed, flow, or stretch. Over time, it took on the sense of forcibly hitting or pounding and later came to refer to stopping work as a form of protest.
The word "breaker" comes from the Old English "brecan", meaning to break, shatter, or burst. In this context, it refers to breaking or stopping a strike.
Therefore, "strikebreaker" refers to a person who breaks or stops a strike by working during a period when others are on strike. These individuals are often hired by companies to replace striking workers or to keep operations going during labor disputes.