One thing is certain this Labor Day: organized labor is on the move.
The United Auto Workers union is being aggressive in contract discussions with the Big 3 automakers, and writers and actresses are striking in Hollywood. Unions have already achieved several significant victories this year, like at UPS, and they are still on the hunt for more.
The barista uprising sparks a union revival among coffee shop employees.
COFFEE HOUSES ARE THE NEW GROUND ZERO FOR UNIONS
The barista uprising sparks a union revival among coffee shop employees.
After gaining wages for workers, the UPS union calls off its threat to strike.
BUSINESS
After gaining wages for workers, the UPS union calls off its threat to strike.
And organized labor feels as though the tide is now in their favor. Workers now have more bargaining leverage thanks to a tight labor market, strong public support for unions, and the Biden administration's support.
But there are substantial barriers. Many firms fiercely oppose unionization initiatives, and the future of the economy remains quite uncertain.
The following four facts concerning the work market on work Day are important to be aware of.
Unions are exercising their power.
When, if not now?
Promoter Message
At unions, this is the prevailing viewpoint. Businesses have made significant profits during the pandemic, and amid a robust labor market, companies have struggled to recruit enough workers.
Additionally, unions currently have a lot of public backing. For instance, autoworkers cite a Gallup poll indicating that 75% of people favor the UAW in its contract negotiations with the major automakers.
Additionally, the current White House administration is supportive of unions. In a statement last week, Vice President Kamala Harris defended organized labor, stating that it "makes our middle class and our entire economy more strong."
On July 7, 2023, UPS employees will walk a "practice picket line" in New York City. Negotiations earlier this year resulted in a lucrative contract for the UPS union.
Getty Images Timothy A. Clary/AFP
According to a report released by the Treasury Department last week, unionized workers make between 10% and 15% more than non-unionized workers. Additionally, they benefit from superior benefits, whereas racial and gender pay discrepancies are typically lower in unionized workplaces.
And recently, organized labor has achieved some significant successes.
The new deal for American Airlines' unionized pilots saw pay increases of more than 40%, while UPS drivers received what the Teamsters union calls "the most lucrative agreement" in the history of the delivery service.
In an interview with NPR, interim Labor Secretary Julie Su said, "We have seen cases when employers come to the table... sit down, bargain, and arrive at solutions. "I believe that is fueling what has been referred to as a hot labor summer," the speaker said.
