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who are temporary or permanent replacements for striking workers ?

**Who Are Temporary or Permanent Replacements for Striking Workers?**

When employees go on strike, the question of how employers respond often turns to finding replacements to keep operations running smoothly. The term coined for these temporary or permanent workers is “strikebreakers.” This topic appears in many areas, from academic quizzes to legal debates and management strategies. But what does it mean to be a strikebreaker, and what are the implications of being one?

### Understanding Strikebreakers

A strikebreaker is generally an individual who is employed to continue operations during a strike, replacing employees who have ceased work. These individuals may be temporary or become permanent, depending on the employer’s decision and the results of the labor dispute. The term is often used with a negative connotation because strikebreakers are seen as interfering with the rights and efforts of those on strike.

Strikebreakers are brought in by employers primarily to keep production moving or to provide basic services, ensuring that the company doesn’t suffer significant losses during a prolonged stoppage. However, the hiring of strikebreakers can escalate tensions by directly challenging the striking employees, and it might prolong the strike or create ongoing negative feelings between the labor force and management.

### Legal and Ethical Considerations

The legalities surrounding the use of strikebreakers can vary significantly by jurisdiction and have been the subject of many court cases and labor relations disputes. The law tends to lean towards protecting workers’ rights to strike, but it also recognizes an employer’s right to keep business operations alive. The situation, therefore, often comes down to how these rights balance against each other. Some jurisdictions may restrict an employer’s ability to permanently replace strikers, especially if the strike is over legal issues or ‘unfair labor practices’.

Ethically, the hiring of strikebreakers is a contentious issue. For supporters of the unions or the striking workers, strikebreakers are seen as traitors to their colleagues because they are continuing to work during a strike. Conversely, employers who see the strikes as damaging business operations may view these replacements as essential to maintaining business continuity.

### Trends and Practices

In modern times, employers have increasingly sought to employ contingent and temporary workers to replace striking workers. However, the practice of hiring or retaining permanent replacements remains under scrutiny by labor laws and agencies.

Using temporary workers or managing business practices during a strike presents a challenge for Human Resource Management and can affect labor relations within an organization. The way employers handle hiring and retaining strikebreakers, both permanently and temporarily, can have lasting effects on employer-employee relations. It is crucial for HR professionals to understand the legal and ethical implications of each decision and to act accordingly to maintain a healthy workplace environment post-strike.

### Conclusion

The role of strikebreakers as temporary or permanent replacements for striking workers presents both practical and contentious issues. Understanding these roles and the associated legal and ethical considerations is essential, especially in the context of labor disputes. Employers must navigate this complex terrain with sensitivity and within the bounds of the law. Most importantly, it highlights the need for proactive communication, mediation, and compromise to find resolutions that respect the rights and interests of all parties involved.