Does this make you a scab on 2023?

[Mplayers2006]

The news was covering the UAW strike outside one of the Big 3 plants. During an interview, a truck pulled into the plant, but it was met by UAW members who called the driver a 'scab' as he approached the gate.

But, is an independent trucker who does not perform union work considered a scab, and if so, why?

The term 'scab' has multiple meanings, but it is often associated with union workers who don't join a labor union's effort or those who take the place of striking workers. However, the trucker in question does not work for the Big 3 nor perform a role done by the striking UAW members. Like many others, he's a regular American trying to earn an honest day's wage for modest compensation. He has no union, and he's working for the same reasons the UAW members are striking – to support their families and retire with dignity.

 

[DriverNerd]

I really think it depends on context, but he is just delivering parts from a supplier. If he doesn't work for another company he could have traveled thousands of miles to deliver a couple pallets of parts. If he was crossing the line to perform the unions work, for sure he'd be a scab, but I'm really not sure how he could be considered one in this particular instance. Is he displacing another union truck driver? That would be important to know.