USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Many people, especially recent immigrants, did not have jobs. When workers went on strike, businesses could easily hire new laborers, known as scabs, to replace the striking workers. Often, the new employees were willing to work for less pay than the laborers whom they were replacing.

Detailed explanation-2: -Trade unionists also use the epithet “scab” to refer to workers who are willing to accept terms that union workers have rejected and interfere with the strike action. Some say that the word comes from the idea that the “scabs” are covering a wound. However, “scab” was an old-fashioned English insult.

Detailed explanation-3: -One of the most well-known union words is “scab.” It’s a name given to workers who break strikes and cross picket lines. But when the term first became part of American vernacular on Nov. 20, 1816, it covered anything a worker did that was anti-union.