2024-08-20 17:05:02
During the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain made a statement with more than just his words.
Wearing a red shirt that read “Trump is a scab. Vote Harris,” Fain caught a lot of attention.
But what does “scab” mean, and why is it such a big deal?
What is a scab?
In simple terms, a “scab” is someone who works during a strike, crossing the picket line while others are protesting for better conditions. It’s a word that union members use as an insult, implying that the person is betraying their fellow workers by not standing with them.
Fain’s shirt wasn’t just a fashion choice — it was a bold statement, labeling former President Donald Trump an enemy of worker unions.
A few minutes into his speech — and shortly after his first mention of the word scab elicited a crowd chant of “Trump’s a scab” — Fain pulled off his blue sport coat and revealed the red T-shirt emblazoned with the dig “Trump is a scab.”
Fain called Trump a scab a few more times in his remarks.
He’s attacked the GOP nominee several times since the Republican National Convention last month, criticizing Trump over his track record on labor rights, accusing him of siding with employers over workers during strikes and union disputes.
