Is it legal for a contractor to hire professional strikebreakers to replace striking employees?

Is it legal for a contractor to hire professional strikebreakers to replace striking employees?

• A. Yes, without penalties.
• B. Yes, but only with a permit.
• C. No. The contractor is subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or a maximum jail sentence of 90 days.
• D. No, but only during certain hours.

Answer: (C)

Interfering with employees’ right to strike by hiring replacement workers is prohibited. In California, using professional strikebreakers to replace workers who are on a lawful strike is treated as an unfair labor practice with criminal penalties. The law assigns penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail for this offense, underscoring that it’s illegal rather than permissible. There’s no permit that can authorize this, and the issue isn’t about doing it during certain hours; the conduct itself is unlawful and punishable. As a landscape contractor, respecting workers’ rights and handling labor disputes through lawful channels is essential to avoid these penalties and protect your license.

Interfering with employees’ right to strike by hiring replacement workers is prohibited. In California, using professional strikebreakers to replace workers who are on a lawful strike is treated as an unfair labor practice with criminal penalties. The law assigns penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail for this offense, underscoring that it’s illegal rather than permissible. There’s no permit that can authorize this, and the issue isn’t about doing it during certain hours; the conduct itself is unlawful and punishable. As a landscape contractor, respecting workers’ rights and handling labor disputes through lawful channels is essential to avoid these penalties and protect your license.