Answer to Question 1
Employers have the right to hire permanent replacement workers to fill positions vacated by economic strikes. Moreover, it is lawful for employers to promise crossover employees that they will not be displaced from desirable jobs at the end of a strike by more senior striking employees. The hiring of significant numbers of permanent replacement workers may ultimately undermine a union's majority status. Union officials believe that the strike weapon has been diminished in its effectiveness by the hiring of permanent replacement workers in recent years. They believe that the balance of power in collective bargaining has shifted in favor of employers and they believe that legislation is necessary to overturn the Mackay Radio decision. Union leaders are currently sup-porting striker replacement legislation now before Congress, which would allow companies to keep their operations running during a strike with temporary replacements, but prohibits the hiring of permanent replacements.
Answer to Question 2
.D