Why are strike-breakers called 'scabs'?
Question
When trade unions go on strike, why are strike-breakers known as ‘scabs’?
John, Addlestone
Answer
** Definitive **
Name: Matt, Doncaster
Qualification: My uncle told me.
Answer: My Uncle was a fire-fighter and when he was on strike, he always used to say “picket scabs”. What do you do to scabs? Picket.
** Definitive **
Name: Kate, Berkshire
Qualification:
Answer: A scab covers up a wound while healing takes place, so a scab in a strike covers up the problem.