Is it me, or does the labor movement in America feel like it's suddenly in full swing again? Unionization, strikes, walkouts ... Just get some posterboard and a megaphone, and you'll fit right in.
One new union boss certainly seems to be gearing up for a fight: Sean O'Brien was sworn in Tuesday as the general president of the 1.3-million member International Brotherhood of Teamsters. A self-described "militant," he is widely expected to lead 327,000 on strike when their contract expires on July 31, 2023, my colleague Chris Isidore reports.
If that happens, it would be the nation's largest and most disruptive strike in several decades.
"You don't go into any situation wanting a strike," O'Brien told CNN Business this week. "But these employers have to understand we're not going to be afraid to pull that trigger if necessary."
WHAT'S HAPPENING
The labor shortage has given American workers the upper hand over management. Many are leaving their jobs in search of opportunities with better pay, benefits and quality of life. Others are sticking with their jobs -- and sticking it to their bosses.
At Starbucks, a Buffalo store unionized in December and sparked a movement across America. A Seattle store became the seventh to join the Starbucks Workers United on Tuesday, and the union said workers have signed cards requesting a organization election at 149 other stores spread across 27 states.
Meanwhile, Disney employees staged a walkout Tuesday in protest of the company's response to Florida's controversial Parental Rights in Education law. Disney management has been knocked off its feet by the outpouring of opposition to the company's initial non-reaction to the "Don't Say Gay" bill, and CEO Bob Chapek has since been bending over backwards to apologize and backtrack. Practically every Disney brand showed support for the LGBTQ+ community as the company-wide walkouts took place.
MY TWO CENTS
Now's the best time to be a worker. Unemployment is at a historic low and companies are scrambling for multicellular organisms capable of placing cover sheets on TPS reports. If you're gonna make a stink for better treatment, you couldn't pick a better opportunity.
But the moment may not last much longer. The economy is starting to feel the effects of war in Europe. Inflation was already high before it started, and it's through the roof now. The Fed is starting to tap the brakes, which could slow the economy down. Goldman Sachs said earlier this month the US economy has a 35% chance of entering a recession next year.
So if workers want to work from home, get paid fairly and challenge management to stand up for their rights ... it's time to head to Staples and get some posterboard.
