UAW strike: Number of strikers?
The Summer of Strikes: Unprecedented Labor Movement Sweeps Across the United States
The summer of 2022 has witnessed an extraordinary surge in strikes throughout the United States, marking a continuation of a growing trend in recent years. In a groundbreaking move, the United Auto Workers (UAW) announced a historic strike early Friday morning, with a staggering 13,000 workers walking out at plants operated by the Detroit car giants: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. This highly publicized strike joins the ranks of other headline-grabbing labor movements, including the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America strikes. However, the true scale of the strike wave extends far beyond these high-profile cases.
Unprecedented Numbers: Thousands of Workers Take a Stand
According to Nerd Wallet, as of Friday, approximately 187,000 American workers are participating in major strikes, defined as those involving 1,000 or more workers. The ongoing strikes that have captured national attention include the UAW strike, the SAG and WGA strike, the Unite Here Local strike, and the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital strike. These diverse movements share common demands, primarily centered around higher wages, improved protections, and better working conditions.
However, the labor unrest does not stop there. Two other significant strikes loom on the horizon: 11,000 city service workers in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721 and 22,000 flight attendants in the Association of Professional Flight Attendants are on the brink of joining the strike wave, according to reports.
A Resurgence of Worker Power
Last year witnessed a remarkable 50% increase in strikes compared to 2021, with a total of 224,000 workers participating, as reported by the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations Labor Action Tracker. Notably, the education sector accounted for the majority of these strikes, comprising 60% of the total. While unions played a significant role, it is worth highlighting that non-union personnel also contributed significantly, accounting for 32% of the strikes.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 23 major work stoppages in 2022. To put this into perspective, the lowest number of work stoppages occurred in 2009, with just five, while the highest was in 1952, with a staggering 470.
Putting the Numbers in Context
Despite the increase in strikes compared to 2021, it is important to note that the current level of strike activity remains relatively low when compared to earlier historical periods. According to the report, “While we documented an uptick in strikes and approximate number of workers on strike in 2022 as compared with 2021, the level of strike activity is lower than earlier historical eras. The number of work stoppages and approximate number of workers involved in work stoppage is considerably less than the most recent comprehensive BLS data from the 1970s, and the approximate number of workers involved in work stoppages falls behind recent increases documented by the BLS in 2018 and 2019.”
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How have social movements and activism played a role in the success and momentum of the labor movement, and how has technology facilitated organizing and mobilizing workers
Ot stop at major strikes. In addition to the large-scale actions, there are countless smaller strikes happening across different sectors and industries. Workers in sectors such as education, healthcare, hospitality, and transportation are also taking collective action to fight for their rights and demand fair treatment from their employers.
Root Causes: Deepening Inequality and Economic Uncertainty
The surge in strikes can be attributed to a combination of factors, but two notable causes stand out: deepening inequality and economic uncertainty. In recent years, income inequality has reached staggering levels, with the wealthiest individuals and corporations accumulating vast amounts of wealth while the majority of workers struggle to make ends meet. This stark wealth disparity has fueled discontent among workers who see their labor being undervalued and exploited.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing economic inequalities and created additional uncertainties for workers. Many have lost their jobs or faced reduced hours and wages, causing financial strain and heightened concerns about job security. As the economy slowly recovers, workers are seizing the opportunity to demand fair wages, stable employment, and improved working conditions.
The Role of Social Movements and Activism
The success and momentum of the labor movement can also be attributed to the increasing influence of social movements and activism. In recent years, movements advocating for workers’ rights, such as the Fight for $15 and the #MeToo movement, have gained significant traction and visibility. These movements have not only raised awareness about labor issues but have also empowered workers to speak out and take collective action against injustice.
Furthermore, the power of social media and digital platforms has played a crucial role in organizing and mobilizing workers. These tools have allowed workers from different industries and regions to connect and share their experiences, providing a sense of solidarity and amplifying their collective voices. The ability to communicate and coordinate on a large scale has proven to be a game-changer for labor movements in the digital age.
The Impact on the Economy and Society
The surge in strikes has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the economy and society as a whole. Large-scale strikes disrupt production, supply chains, and services, affecting not only the targeted companies but also their suppliers, customers, and the broader economy. The strikes have garnered extensive media coverage, sparking conversations about workers’ rights, income inequality, and the power dynamics between employers and employees.
Moreover, the strikes have highlighted the need for comprehensive labor reforms. As workers continue to leverage their collective power, policymakers and lawmakers are under increasing pressure to address income inequality, strengthen labor protections, and promote fair working conditions. The labor movement is forcing a long-overdue reckoning with the systematic issues that perpetuate economic disparities and exploitation in the United States.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Labor Movements
The summer of strikes in 2022 is a testament to the resilience and determination of American workers. It signals a turning point in the labor movement and sets the stage for future activism and collective bargaining. As workers across different sectors unite and demand fair treatment and respect, they are challenging the status quo and redefining the power dynamics between employers and employees.
However, the road ahead is not without challenges. Employers often have significant resources and legal leverage that they can employ against striking workers. Union busting and anti-labor legislation remain significant obstacles to overcome. Nevertheless, the summer of strikes exemplifies the potential for workers to drive meaningful change, and it serves as inspiration for future generations of labor activists.
In conclusion, the summer of strikes in 2022 represents a historic labor movement sweeping across the United States. Thousands of workers from various industries are taking a stand against inequality, demanding fair wages, and fighting for better working conditions. This surge in strikes is significantly fueled by deepening inequality, economic uncertainty, and the influence of social movements and activism. As the labor movement gains momentum, it is reshaping the economy, sparking conversations about workers’ rights, and pressuring lawmakers to address systemic issues. The summer of strikes is a pivotal moment that will shape the future of labor movements and the fight for a more just and equitable society.
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