A
strikebreaker (sometimes derogatorily called a
scab,
blackleg, or
knobstick) is a person who works despite an ongoing
strike. Strikebreakers are usually individuals who are not employed by the company prior to the
trade union dispute, but rather hired after or during the strike to keep the organization running. "Strikebreakers" may also refer to workers (union members or not) who cross
picket lines to work.