FOX Business’ Madison Allworth and the “Morning with Maria” panel discuss the latest updates on Amazon warehouse workers’ coordinated sit-in efforts days before Christmas.
Worker strikes were an important issue in 2024. From dock workers to Starbucks baristas, tens of thousands of employees left their jobs in conflict with management.
Many of the strikes were more localized and did not impact overall operations, but one strike could have caused supply chain issues that would have affected the holiday season and beyond.
The retail trade group says port strikes could have a devastating impact on the economy
Dock workers strike at the Bayport Container Terminal in Seabrook, Texas, on Oct. 1, 2024. Officials at 14 ports along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast were making last-minute preparations on Sept. 30 for a potential labor strike that could prolong work. (Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Port workers strike
On October 1, approximately 47,000 dockworkers from the International Longshoremen’s Association went on strike, affecting 36 ports on the Gulf and East coasts. This was the first strike on Eastern and Gulf ports since 1977. The strike was the result of failed negotiations with the US Maritime Alliance over wages and automation at the ports.
One analysis by JP Morgan said a strike could cost the US economy up to $5 billion a day.
The strike was suspended two days later, when the union and employers reached a conditional offer of a 62% wage increase. However, the strike suspension and main contract extension only lasts until January 15, 2025, five days before President-elect Trump is sworn in. President Biden and Trump spoke of their support for dockworkers and their demands for unionized wages and less automation.
US dock worker speaks on picket line: ‘We’ve taken less than we deserve in the past’
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 2: Striking dock workers at the Red Hook Container Terminal walk a picket line after members of the International Longshoremen’s Association, or ILA, began walking off the job the day before, October 2, 2024 in Red Hook (Photo by Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Boeing workers strike
On September 13, 2024, more than 33,000 mechanics representing the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers went on strike after rejecting a 25% wage increase over four years. It was Boeing’s first layoff since 2008. Workers sought higher wages and better retirement benefits. The strike led to the grounding of Boeing aircraft, including the 737, 772, 767, and their military counterparts. The strike caused problems with delivery schedules and losses were estimated at about $1 billion per month.
Boeing’s strike is the costliest in terms of economic damage so far in 2024
Union members react when 751st District Aerospace Mechanic President John Holden (offscreen) announces that union members have rejected Boeing’s proposed contract and will strike, following the results of a vote at their union hall in Seattle, Washington. (Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The strike was resolved and ended on November 4, 2024. 59% of union members voted to accept a new contract offer that increased wages by 38% over four years and provided enhanced 401(k) plan contributions. Although the strike was resolved, Boeing said that the strike caused financial and operational challenges that prompted the company to announce the layoff of 17,000 employees.
Starbucks workers strike
In late December, more than 5,000 Starbucks employees at more than 300 U.S. stores began strikes over unresolved disputes over wages, staffing and work schedules.
The total number of employees is approximately 10,000 employees in stores in the following cities:
- Los Angeles, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Seattle, Washington
- New York, New York
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Dallas, Texas
- Portland, Oregon
- Columbus, Ohio
- Denver, Colorado
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The union accused Starbucks of failing to fulfill a commitment made 10 months ago to finalize a labor agreement by the end of 2024.
Workers hold strike signs outside a unionized Starbucks on Katella Street in Anaheim as they join fellow workers and those who work at more than 100 other unionized sites across the country on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in the day-long Red Cup Rebellion (Mark Rittmeyer/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Get FOX Business on the go by clicking here
The company said it offers a competitive average wage of more than $18 an hour and “best-in-class benefits,” including health care, Free university feesPaid family leave and company stock grants.
“No other retailer offers this type of comprehensive pay and benefits package,” Kelly wrote. “The labor union’s proposals call for an immediate increase in associates’ minimum hourly wages of 64%, and by 77% over the life of a three-year contract. These proposals are not sustainable, especially when the investments we are constantly making add to our total benefits package. “Distinctive about what sets us apart as an employer – and what makes us proud to work at Starbucks.”
Fox News Digital Writer Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2024/10/0/0/harold-daggett-3.jpg?ve=1&tl=1
Source link