Blackleg

A 'Blackleg' is a derogatory term for a worker who continues to work (or replaces striking workers) during a strike. The term often carries strong negative connotations, implying disloyalty to fellow workers, a willingness to undermine collective action, and potentially, a lack of solidarity. Blacklegs are often seen as breaking the unity of the working class and aiding the employer. The term can extend beyond just striking situations and can also be used for those who undermine or betray any group cause. Historically, the word's origins are related to the harsh treatment given to those that had to work outside the law. The negative associations stem from the perceived betrayal of solidarity and workers' rights, making it a highly charged term in labor disputes.

Blackleg meaning with examples

• During the coal miners' strike, the mining company hired a large group of blacklegs to continue production. The striking miners saw them as traitors and saboteurs, fiercely protesting their presence and sometimes clashing with them, even going as far as burning their houses. The situation heightened tensions between the workers, owners, and those that broke the strike, threatening the unity of the miners.
• The union members felt betrayed when several of their colleagues, desperate for money, went back to work as blacklegs, weakening the bargaining position of the group. These former workers were later ostracized and often had great difficulty in repairing their reputation among their former colleagues. The union's attempt at a unified front had been badly damaged by those that went back to work.
• The factory owners were very pleased with their plans to hire replacement workers. The union organizers called them out as 'blacklegs' for crossing the picket lines. The owners made sure to provide the replacement workers with protection and accommodations, as they knew their safety was at risk because the anger of the other workers was very high and felt like a betrayal.
• The community, mostly supportive of the striking teachers, was disgusted when some substitute teachers were hired, even though it was stated that the schools would be closed until the strike was over. These substitute teachers were widely known and condemned for their actions and were called blacklegs and ostracized. Protests were held daily at the schools' front doors.
• The historical accounts revealed how the term 'blackleg' was used to describe those who broke the collective agreements during the early days of the labor movement. The term was even used as a slur, leading to more extreme confrontations. These blacklegs were often subject to intense social pressure and sometimes even violence as tensions rose during strikes.