nonstrikers

Nonstrikers is a term used in labor relations to describe workers who do not participate in a strike. The label refers to individuals who continue to work or refrain from taking part in a strike action, rather than those who actively cross picket lines to work (often called strikebreakers or scabs) or those who formally join the strike. The concept helps analyze the composition and effectiveness of labor actions by considering both participating and nonparticipating employees within the same workplace.

The usage of the term can vary by context. In some cases, nonstrikers are employees who are required by law or by contract to remain at work because they perform essential services, such as health care, public safety, or critical infrastructure. In other cases, nonstrikers are workers who choose not to participate in a given strike for personal reasons, uncertainty about outcomes, fear of retaliation, or alignment with management. The label is typically descriptive rather than evaluative, though it can carry normative implications in political or public discussions about labor solidarity.

Nonstrikers can affect the dynamics and outcomes of a strike. A lower rate of participation among eligible workers can reduce the pressure on employers and influence negotiation leverage. Conversely, high participation among nonstrikers’ peers can still sustain the strike’s momentum if it reflects broader solidarity. Researchers sometimes examine nonstrikers to understand factors that influence strike turnout, including legal constraints, union organization, workplace culture, and economic alternatives.

See also: Strikes, strikebreakers, picket lines, labor unions.