Definitions

1. noun

A person, especially a coal miner, who secretly works for a rival company or contractor by undermining the employment conditions, pay, or other benefits of their own unionized employer.

“The union suspected that some workers were blacklegs, secretly working for a rival company to undermine their union.”

2. noun

A person who secretly works for a competitor of an employer, typically by accepting lower wages or better working conditions.

“The company was accused of hiring blacklegs to replace striking workers.”

3. verb

To secretly work for a rival company or contractor, especially in a unionized industry.

“The union accused the employer of blacklegging its members during the strike.”