Strike Replacements, or Scabs?

Permanent and temporary strike replacements

In most cases, organizations are forced to engage in temporary or permanent strike replacements. This is because they feel that the striking workforce is a hindrance to effective service delivery to customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Nevertheless, it is important noting that it is unethical for a company to use permanent strike replacements. It is, however, essential to note that this permanent replacement is legally acceptable. Most of the strikes conducted by workers union have adverse effects on the running of a company and should either take the conditions or carry out permanent replacements. Permanent strike replacement will render many employees jobless thus making it difficult to sustain their families.  It will take time for the striking workers to get new jobs thus making permanent replacement unethical behavior.

On the other hand, temporary replacements are both ethical and acceptable in a company. The company’s operations will not be affected by the striking workforce. Temporary replacements give a chance to the striking workers to unconditionally resume duties after strikes. This implies that temporary replacements must be terminated immediately after strikes.

Cross picket lines

It is also essential understanding that it is not ethical for persons to cross picket lines and become permanent or temporary replacements. Most of the union-led strikes are aimed at solving major grievances facing the members. It is therefore of paramount importance for all members of the union to remain united for a common goal. Members of the union who opts to cross picket lines should face stern disciplinary action from the union. They can also be forced out of the union. Cross Picket is unethical as it destroys the sole objective of the union that is championing the rights of all its members.

Scabs

The concept of scabs is very frequent in the union’s crusade of employees’ right.  In my opinion, it is unethical for unions and their supporters to attack strike replacements as “scabs”. Though cross picketing is also unethical, it is inappropriate to correct a wrong with another wrong. Individuals who decide t cross picket may have their reasons as to why they make such choices. It is, however, worth noting that such choices must have strict consequences such as disciplinary actions and being kicked out of the union. The union and its supporters ought to convince the strike replacements that the success of the union lies in their unity. Jack London asserts “a scab is a traitor to his God, his country, his family and his class.”  It is on this premise that union members should strive to ensure that strike replacements are enlightened on the dangers of being a scab. Esau, Judas, and Benedict Arnold are excellent examples of how costly it can be being a scab.

Do you need an Original High Quality Academic Custom Essay?