Who were brought in to replace the strikers at McCormick?

The correct answer is that strike breakers were brought in to replace the strikers at McCormick. Strike breakers, often referred to as "scabs," are individuals who take on jobs or roles normally held by workers who are on strike, with the intention of undermining the strike's effectiveness. Their presence aims to minimize the disruption caused by the labor dispute, allowing the company to continue operations and reducing the bargaining power of the striking workers.

This strategy is typically employed by management during labor strikes to maintain production levels and exert pressure on the striking workers. By using strike breakers, companies hope to diminish solidarity among the workers on strike, as this can lead to discord and lessen the chances of the strikers achieving their goals.

Other options, like newly hired workers or union sympathizers, do not encapsulate the specific nature of the individuals intended to undermine the strike. Newly hired workers could be seen as a more permanent solution to labor shortages but do not reflect the contentious and often hostile relationship between management and labor during a strike. Union sympathizers would typically support the strikers rather than replace them, making them an unlikely choice. Consultants, while they might offer strategic advice to management, would not directly replace strikers on the production floor.