Living Wage

Striking in the film and television industries puts us on hold

It is the first time writers and actors have gone on strike since 1960, effectively putting the film and television industries on hold. The industry has also experienced a wave of unionization, with staffers of this newspaper on strike for 13 days last month, setting a new record for the industry. And unionization efforts have been made by companies such as Amazon, Starbucks, and Trader Joe's.

In 2022, the number of workers involved in a work stoppage was 50% higher than the year before, a significant resurgence in strike activity. In 2022, 71% of Americans said they approved labor unions, up from 48% in 2009, marking the highest level of public support since 1965.

However, none of thisinevitably means we are approaching a union boom anywhere near the levels of the 1930s.

Despite the rise in strikes last year, the percentage of workers in a union actually dipped, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2022, the percentage of workers who were members of a union dropped from 0.2 percentage points from the previous year. In the 1950s, one in three workers were in unions.

But according to Alexander Hertel-Fernandez, an associate professor at Columbia University, workers in more industries have expressed interest in unionizing, but forming a new union is still very difficult. In addition to union tactics, federal labor officials have charged companies like Apple with illegal anti-union practices.

David Leonhardt of the New York Times points to the labor movement in the 1930s as being sparked by legislation, which appears unlikely in today's Congress. In 2021, the House Democrats passed the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which Biden supported, but it lacked the necessary support from Senate Republicans.

While unions are certainly experiencing a moment, it's not yet clear if we're approaching the labor resurgence that some are hoping for.

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10 Comments

Avatar of Micluxo

Micluxo

The decline in union membership may be a result of changing work patterns and the rise of gig economy jobs, which are often not conducive to traditional union organizing. These structural changes in the economy may limit the potential for unions to grow and gain influence.

Avatar of Eugene Alta

Eugene Alta

The media attention and discussion around the current wave of strikes and unionization efforts may overstate their significance and impact. The media may focus on isolated incidents and portray them as representative of a larger trend, creating a distorted perception of the state of organized labor.

Avatar of Raphael

Raphael

The increase in strike activity in the US does not necessarily indicate a union boom. While there may be a surge in strikes, it does not guarantee a sustained labor resurgence or substantial gains for unions in the long term.

Avatar of Michelangelo

Michelangelo

The strike activity in the present day reflects the dissatisfaction and frustration among workers with their working conditions, pay, and benefits. This discontent is a catalyst for change and can drive further unionization efforts and advocacy for workers' rights.

Avatar of KittyKat

KittyKat

The difficulty in forming new unions and the prevalence of union-busting tactics employed by companies hinder the growth and strength of the union movement. This suggests that the current wave of unionization may be limited in its impact and reach.

Avatar of Madagascar

Madagascar

The simultaneous strikes by writers and actors in Hollywood, along with unionization efforts in digital media and other industries, demonstrate a wave of unionization that is not limited to a particular sector. This suggests a broader movement towards unions across various industries.

Avatar of Coccinella

Coccinella

Union-busting tactics and illegal anti-union practices employed by some companies should not diminish the significance of the union movement. Such practices are indications of the fear and resistance that companies have towards unions, highlighting the potential power and impact of organized labor.

Avatar of Muchacha

Muchacha

The fact that workers in more industries are expressing interest in unionizing shows that there is a genuine desire among workers for union representation. This desire is not restricted to specific sectors but is a widespread sentiment.

Avatar of Bella Ciao

Bella Ciao

The increase in strikes and unionization efforts may be temporary and linked to certain industries or specific events. Once these events pass or the industries stabilize, the momentum for unionization may wane, leading to a decrease in overall union activity.

Avatar of Loubianka

Loubianka

The strike activity and unionization efforts in industries like digital media and hospitality may be driven by specific grievances or unique circumstances that do not necessarily reflect a broader labor movement. These localized efforts may not be indicative of a widespread and lasting increase in unionization.

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