double-breasting

[ duhb-uhl-bres-ting ]

noun

1. the practice of employing nonunion workers, especially in a separate division, to supplement the work of higher-paid union workers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of double-breasting¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Equity has withdrawn a grievance filed last year against producers and Broadway League members Barry and Fran Weissler and their company, the National Artists Management Co. , which licensed the hit musical, for “double-breasting” — profiting from union and nonunion workers at the same time.

From Los Angeles Times

In turn, Equity opened the double-breasting grievance against the Weisslers and their company, which was found to have a financial interest in the non-Equity tour.

From Los Angeles Times

Many labor supporters instead backed the more liberal Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa, who declared that “when I’m president of the United States, every double-breasting, scab-hiring, union-busting employer in America will know that the working people of America have a friend in the White House!”

From Los Angeles Times

Few businesses in the Washington area had openly started nonunionized sister companies — a practice known as “double-breasting” — for fear of irritating trade unions.

From Washington Post

This week the House is expected to vote on, and is likely to approve, the double-breasting legislation.

From Time Magazine Archive