AP Top NewsBusinessGeneral NewsStrikes Thousands of US workers are on strike today. Here’s a rundown of major work stoppages happening now by Gabriel Martinez October 5, 2023 written by Gabriel Martinez October 5, 2023 0 comments Bookmark 44 Numerous labor disputes have swept across the United States in what has proven to be a pivotal year for labor organizing. These strikes have garnered widespread attention, spanning diverse sectors from auto manufacturing to Hollywood. At the heart of these protests lies a boiling frustration fueled by the skyrocketing cost of living and growing income inequality, which has starkly widened the pay gap between ordinary workers and top corporate executives. Today, thousands of workers, who made sacrifices during the pandemic while corporate profits soared, are demanding improved compensation and safeguards. They are prepared to walk off the job if substantial progress isn’t achieved during their fervent contract negotiations. According to Johnnie Kallas, a Ph.D. candidate and project director at Cornell University’s Labor Action Tracker, no less than 453,000 workers have taken part in 312 strikes this year alone, spanning industries ranging from transportation to entertainment and hospitality. In the healthcare sector, a significant strike commenced this week, involving approximately 75,000 Kaiser Permanente employees across multiple states. This strike encompasses various roles, from licensed vocational nurses to home health aides and ultrasound sonographers, as well as technicians in radiology, X-ray, surgical, pharmacy, and emergency departments. The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, representing about 85,000 employees nationwide, has authorized a three-day strike in several states and a one-day strike in others. Union members are demanding a $25 hourly minimum wage and annual pay increases of 7% for the first two years and 6.25% for the subsequent two years. They assert that understaffing has bolstered the hospital system’s profits but has had detrimental effects on patient care, with claims of bad-faith bargaining by executives. In response, Kaiser has proposed minimum hourly wages ranging from $21 to $23, depending on the location. In the automotive industry, a substantial labor campaign has unfolded, with approximately 25,000 auto workers participating in strikes against major car manufacturers, including General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford. These targeted strikes began after the expiration of the union’s contract with the companies in mid-September and have since expanded to include multiple factories and parts warehouses. UAW President Shawn Fain has continued to expand the strikes, citing a lack of substantial progress in negotiations. The union is advocating for a 36% increase in general wages over four years, a reduced 32-hour workweek with 40 hours of pay, the reinstatement of traditional defined-benefit pensions for new hires, and the return of cost-of-living pay raises, among other benefits. However, car manufacturers are concerned that higher labor costs could render their vehicles more expensive compared to competitors, potentially affecting their market competitiveness. In Hollywood, writers and actors have embarked on historic strikes, disrupting the entertainment industry for months. While the writers’ strike has concluded with an approved contract agreement, actors remain on strike, currently engaged in negotiations with major studios and streaming services. Similar to the writers, actors are wrestling with issues related to pay, the use of artificial intelligence, and self-taped auditions. Lastly, thousands of hotel workers in Southern California have engaged in rolling strikes, seeking improved wages, healthcare, pension contributions, safety measures, and reduced workloads. These workers, representing various roles within the hospitality sector, have voiced their demands through picketing and boycotts, with some progress achieved through contract agreements at select hotels. The landscape of labor disputes in the United States reflects the pressing concerns of workers across industries, all seeking equitable treatment and better working conditions in a rapidly evolving economic environment. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Labor StrikesWhat is the primary cause behind the surge in labor strikes in the U.S. in 2023?How many strikes have occurred in the U.S. this year, and what industries have been affected?What are some key demands made by the striking workers in the healthcare sector?What are the main objectives of the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike against major car companies?How has the strike in Hollywood evolved, and what are the major issues at stake?What are the key demands of hotel workers in Southern California who are participating in rolling strikes?More about Labor Strikes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Labor Strikes What is the primary cause behind the surge in labor strikes in the U.S. in 2023? The surge in labor strikes in the U.S. in 2023 is primarily driven by escalating living costs, rising income inequality, and growing pay disparities between workers and top executives. Workers are demanding better pay and improved protections. How many strikes have occurred in the U.S. this year, and what industries have been affected? In 2023, there have been 312 strikes in the U.S., involving approximately 453,000 workers. These strikes have spanned various industries, including healthcare, automotive manufacturing, entertainment, and hospitality. What are some key demands made by the striking workers in the healthcare sector? Healthcare workers, particularly those from Kaiser Permanente, are demanding a $25 hourly minimum wage and annual pay increases of 7% for the first two years and 6.25% for the following two years. They also express concerns about understaffing and its impact on patient care. What are the main objectives of the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike against major car companies? The UAW strike aims to secure a 36% increase in general wages over four years, a reduced 32-hour workweek with 40 hours of pay, reinstatement of traditional defined-benefit pensions for new hires, and a return of cost-of-living pay raises. The union is negotiating with General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford. How has the strike in Hollywood evolved, and what are the major issues at stake? Hollywood experienced a dual strike involving writers and actors. While the writers’ strike concluded with a contract agreement, actors are still on strike. Their key concerns include pay, the use of artificial intelligence, and self-taped auditions. Negotiations are ongoing with major studios and streaming services. What are the key demands of hotel workers in Southern California who are participating in rolling strikes? Southern California hotel workers are demanding better wages, improved healthcare, higher pension contributions, enhanced safety protections, and reduced workloads. They have engaged in picketing and boycotts to raise awareness of their demands, with some hotels reaching tentative contract agreements. More about Labor Strikes Labor Strikes in the U.S. – A Year in Review Kaiser Permanente Healthcare Workers’ Strike Details United Auto Workers (UAW) Strike Updates Hollywood Writers and Actors Strikes Southern California Hotel Workers’ Rolling Strikes You Might Be Interested In Launch of NASA Spacecraft Marks First-Ever Mission to Uncommon Metallic Asteroid The already exhilarating film series cranks up the intensity in ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’ Residents of Lahaina Revisit Homes Ravaged by Catastrophic Wildfire Hamas is set to exchange more hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel Key Details about Russia’s Armed Rebellion Remain Enigmatic a Week Later Georgia Supreme Court Blocks GOP-Endorsed Commission from Disciplining Prosecutors AP Top Newsemployment issuesGeneral NewsLabor Disputeslabor organizingLabor strikesStrikesworker demands Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Gabriel Martinez Follow Author Gabriel Martinez is a science and technology journalist who covers the latest news and developments in the world of science. He is passionate about exploring new frontiers in technology, from artificial intelligence to space exploration. previous post Jon Fosse, Celebrated Norwegian Proponent of Minimalist Nordic Literature, Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature next post Attorneys of Alleged Andrew Tate’s Victims Allege Harassment and Intimidation You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ