Massachusetts § 22A - Professional strikebreakers; obstruction of picketing
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 22A — Professional strikebreakers; obstruction of picketing, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22A. Professional strikebreakers; obstruction of picketing
Section 22A. No person shall knowingly employ any professional strikebreaker in the place of an employee involved in a lockout or lawful strike. No professional strikebreaker shall take or offer to take the place in employment of an employee who is involved in a lockout or lawful strike. A ''professional strikebreaker'' is defined as a person who regularly and habitually earns a major portion of his livelihood by entering into employment where a lockout or strike exists to take the place of an employee whose work has ceased as a direct consequence of such lockout or strike.
No person shall engage in any activities or employ any person for the purpose of obstructing or interfering by force or threats with (1) peaceful picketing by employees during any labor controversy affecting wages, hours or conditions of labor, or (2) the exercise by employees of any of the rights granted employees under the provisions of chapter one hundred and fifty A or of the federal Labor-Management Relations Act of 1947.
This section shall not apply to the employment of any person whose services are necessary to ensure that the plant or other property of the employer involved in the strike or lockout is properly maintained and protected for the resumption at any time of normal operations.
Whoever violates any provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than two thousand dollars.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 22A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 22A cover?
Section 22A ("Professional strikebreakers; obstruction of picketing") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 22A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 22A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 22A apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.