MarketWatch’s Levi Sumagaysay breaks down why actors, teachers, hotel workers and others are striking — and why the recent work stoppages have been in the works for decades.
This transcript was prepared by a transcription service. This version may not be in its final form and may be updated.
James Rogers: Early this summer, Levi wrote about why the current surge in strikes has been decades in the making, exploring the issue from employees' perspectives. That's mostly what we'll be unpacking today, why workers are striking, why now and what the future of labor organizing might look like. Audio: More hotel workers have walked off their jobs. Happened after a new proposal by the hotel industry gave no increase in pay.
Audio: Clock is winding down on the United Auto Workers' national contract with the Big Three. The next step would be a strike... James Rogers: Despite pushback, Levi says some felt the unionization efforts of these companies represented a turning point. Levi Sumagaysay: American companies had to deal more with manufacturing pressures and the effects of globalization, really. So their profits began to shrink and they started to look for ways to cut costs and, as we know, labor costs are usually the biggest costs for most companies. So companies use the nation's somewhat weaker labor laws to their advantage. They started employing anti-union consultants.
James Rogers: That boost in union membership has helped to strikes more visible. As they become more prominent in the last few years, the specifics of the worker actions have differed in size and scope. Stephanie Kelton: Levi says economists point to stagnant wages as an important factor behind increased unionization in the United States. Wages haven't kept up with the cost of living. Over the past 50 years, average real hourly earnings or hourly wages adjusted for inflation went from $28.36 to $29.50. That's according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
James Rogers: In her reporting, unpacking the summer in labor organizing, Levi says one quote has stayed with her.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Why Jessica Simpson moved her family to Nashville for the summerThe singer said that being in the Music City has revitalized her music career.
Les mer »
6 Best Samsung Headphone Deals to Shop from Best Buy’s Labor Day SaleSave big on Samsung headphones at Best Buy.
Les mer »
Puppy rescued from hot car finds new home with CT fire departmentA Connecticut fire department is giving a rescue puppy a new leash on life. The East Haven Fire Department adopted 6-month-old Riggs, a Beagle mix rescued by firefighters from a hot car last week. Officials said temps inside the car reached 122 degrees. “There was a dog at the beach locked in a car. Probably about high 80s during the…
Les mer »
Kensington, a new development hot spot | Real Estate NewsletterDevelopers are building big apartment projects in a neglected part of Kensington. And Philadelphia is offering loans to small landlords so they can repair aging affordable rental homes.
Les mer »
Star Wars Imperial Praetorian Guard Rises with New Hot Toys FigureA new era of Star Wars is rising as the Imperial Praetorian Guard has arrived at Hot Toys and they are ready to fight
Les mer »