For an overview of a union’s right to strike under federal law, see our recent blog discussing the subject here.
The biggest work stoppage in more than a decade?
The U.S. economy has been struggling with the dual crises of a labor shortage and a global supply chain disruption for months during the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of the Delta variant. Now some of the nation’s largest unions are heading toward perhaps the biggest work stoppage in more than a decade, in part due to the upper hand the labor shortage has recently given workers.
IATSE Authorizes a Strike
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) represents over 150,000 workers in the entertainment industry in the United States and Canada, including costume and set designers, makeup artists, script coordinators, camera operators, and other on-set workers.
The IATSE has been negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents the studios and production companies, for months to reach a new collective bargaining agreement. Some of the most critical terms for a new agreement to the IATSE include limits to shooting hours, increased wages and compensation, rest and meal periods, and working conditions.
On October 4, 2021, IATSE members overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike authorization following unproductive negotiations. IATSE President Matthew Loeb then set a Monday, October 18 deadline to reach a new agreement with the AMPTP. If a deal is not reached by 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time Monday, union members will begin a nationwide strike that would set in motion the nation’s largest work stoppage since the 2007-2008 strike by the Writers Guild of America and would be the first strike for IATSE in its 145-year history.
The IATSE has been negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents the studios and production companies, for months to reach a new collective bargaining agreement. Some of the most critical terms for a new agreement to the IATSE include limits to shooting hours, increased wages and compensation, rest and meal periods, and working conditions.
On October 4, 2021, IATSE members overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike authorization following unproductive negotiations. IATSE President Matthew Loeb then set a Monday, October 18 deadline to reach a new agreement with the AMPTP. If a deal is not reached by 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time Monday, union members will begin a nationwide strike that would set in motion the nation’s largest work stoppage since the 2007-2008 strike by the Writers Guild of America and would be the first strike for IATSE in its 145-year history.
UAW Strikes Against John Deere
About 10,000 members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union went on strike against farm and construction equipment maker John Deere this morning, October 14, 2021. The UAW had reached a tentative six-year agreement with the company two weeks ago, but 90% of the union’s membership voted against it and a new agreement has not been made.
This is the nation’s largest private-sector strike since the UAW’s six-week strike against General Motors two years ago. Workers are most certainly emboldened by the increase in demand during the pandemic coupled with the shortage of workers. The contracts under negotiation cover 14 Deere plants across the United States.
This is the nation’s largest private-sector strike since the UAW’s six-week strike against General Motors two years ago. Workers are most certainly emboldened by the increase in demand during the pandemic coupled with the shortage of workers. The contracts under negotiation cover 14 Deere plants across the United States.
The United Nurses Association Authorizes a Strike Against Kaiser Permanente
More than 24,000 Kaiser Permanente nurses and healthcare workers also authorized a strike. The United Nurses Association is contesting Kaiser Permanente’s efforts to cut wages amidst turning a $2.7 billion profit in the pandemic. The strike would involve nurses, pharmacists, rehab therapists, midwives, and optometrists at Kaiser hospitals throughout California and could come as soon as 10 days after giving notice to the employer as required by law.
Kellogg Workers Continue to Strike
About 1,400 Kellogg workers represented by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) at four U.S. plants are also currently on strike. These workers produce cereals for brands including Rice Krispies, Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes, and Raisin Bran.
Kellogg workers are striking against a proposed two-tier system for current and new employees along with no offer for pensions to new employees, a removal of cost-of-living provisions, and changes to holiday pay and vacations. These employees often worked seven days a week, 16 hours per day during the pandemic.
Kellogg workers are striking against a proposed two-tier system for current and new employees along with no offer for pensions to new employees, a removal of cost-of-living provisions, and changes to holiday pay and vacations. These employees often worked seven days a week, 16 hours per day during the pandemic.
October's Surge in Labor Activity
This is only a snapshot of strike activity in the U.S. this month. Several other large groups of workers have voted to authorize strikes across the country and many more strikes are likely to emerge. This comes after the National Labor Relations Board noted a record low number of strikes in 2020, reaching only 27,000 workers. Whether this momentum will continue into the new year remains to be seen, but October has certainly resulted in a swift rise for the American labor movement.
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