<P> Examining conditions in the late 1990s, John Logan observed that union busting agencies helped to "transform economic strikes into a virtually suicidal tactic for U.S. unions ." Logan further observed, "as strike rates in the United States have plummeted to historic low levels, the demand for strike management firms has also declined ." </P> <P> In the U.S., as established in the National Labor Relations Act there is a legally protected right for private sector employees to strike to gain better wages, benefits, or working conditions and they cannot be fired . Striking for economic reasons (like protesting workplace conditions or supporting a union's bargaining demands) allows an employer to hire permanent replacements . The replacement worker can continue in the job and then the striking worker must wait for a vacancy . But if the strike is due to unfair labor practices, the strikers replaced can demand immediate reinstatement when the strike ends . If a collective bargaining agreement is in effect, and it contains a "no - strike clause", a strike during the life of the contract could result in the firing of all striking employees which could result in dissolution of that union . Although this is legal it could be viewed as union busting . </P> <P> Some companies negotiate with the union during a strike; other companies may see a strike as an opportunity to eliminate the union . This is sometimes accomplished by the importation of replacement workers, strikebreakers or "scabs". Historically, strike breaking has often coincided with union busting . It was also called' Black legging' in the early 20th century, during the Russian socialist movement . </P> <P> One method of inhibiting or ending a strike is firing union members who are striking which can result in elimination of the union . Although this has happened it is rare due to laws regarding firing and "right to strike" having a wide range of differences in the US depending on whether union members are public or private sector . Laws also vary country to country . In the UK, "It is important to understand that there is no right to strike in UK law ." Employees who strike risk dismissal, unless it is an official strike (one called or endorsed by their union) in which case they are protected from unlawful dismissal, and cannot be fired for at least 12 weeks . UK laws regarding work stoppages and strikes are defined within the Employment Relations Act 1999 and the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 . </P>

Which of the following groups often engaged in work slowdown during the civil war