Workers across the nation are currently striking left and right. This may seem like a surprise to some, but for others, this was to be expected.

The problem starts with the dramatic increase in the costs of living. In the past few years, especially after the pandemic, it was hard for many to get back on their feet. Then with inflation following right after, the working class was hit hard. Many are becoming too familiar with the term “paycheck to paycheck” as they are not being paid liveable wages anymore. Part of the reason why the strikes are occurring may be because of the past. Junior Colin Poon feels part of the issue has to do with “ … expectations of having the same lifestyle your grandparents and parents had.” He further elaborates by saying, “Once you have a basic standard for what you deserve, you refuse to go under that…”

Another problem we’re recognizing is that upper executives are continuing to make egregious amounts of money while the rest of us are left behind to sink. Mr. Mellon shared “… the distribution of wealth is ridiculously lopsided.” As a result, what once was the middle class has started to integrate into the poorer working class. One specific union this is happening to is autoworkers. The United Auto Workers Union (U.A.W.) has asked for about a 40% increase in their wage over four years to reflect what the executives have made. While this demand seems extreme, General Motors CEO Mary Barra is making almost $30 million, and her salary has increased by 34% over the past four years. Her workers, on the other hand, have seen no increase in pay. When confronted about why she should make that much, her response was to instead show off her offer of a 20% increase.

It is no wonder workers are fed up with the lack of pay while the higher-ups continue earning more money than they should. Similarly, healthcare workers are asking for higher wages and solutions to the alarming staff shortages that are causing many workers to be overworked and burnt out. It doesn’t stop there, however. Hotel employees, actors, and screenwriters are also on strike. Additionally, flight attendants and UPS workers are threatening to go on leave if pay doesn’t improve. Strikes will only become more prevalent as we see them succeed. 

We may not be directly involved in the strikes, but they will ultimately impact the rest of us. Mrs. Brown explained, “We need these people, these workers. If they’re not happy and they’re striking, at some point it’s going to affect us as everyday consumers, so we want it to get resolved.” Although most agree these strikes are justified, some point out that the effects can be harmful. Mr. Russell clarified that if the negotiations work and auto workers end up getting a raise “the price of cars is going to go up. So, poor people will be priced out of the market.” It will undoubtedly change our economy, but this may not be something to be concerned about. In comparison, Mr. Mellon believes the economy will run better because of the strikes. “What we need is for the people, the workers, the masses, to show we have some power…” which, historically, has proven to change things.

While the strikes highlight the chaos of our nation, they also encourage necessary action that should be taken in times of inequality and unjust treatment. “Maybe this will ignite a spark with younger workers to fight for labor and reinvigorate unions. – Ms. Durham”