Union violence

When union violence has occurred, it has frequently been in the context of industrial unrest.

[2][3][4] Anti-union violence has also occurred frequently in the context of industrial unrest, and has often involved the collusion of management and government authorities, private agencies, or citizens' groups in organising violence against unions and their members.

[5][6][7][8][9] Protests and verbal abuse are routinely aimed against union members or replacement workers who cross picket lines ("blacklegs" or "scabs") during industrial disputes.

Strikebreakers threaten that goal and undermine the union's bargaining position, and occasionally this erupts into violent confrontation, with violence committed either by, or against, strikers.

[1][12][13][14] US and Australian government reports have examined violence during industrial disputes.