As the economy slowly recovers from the pandemic, labor movements are making a strong resurgence in the United States. As a growing number of workers, especially those in traditionally low-paying sectors, are feeling the squeeze of living on a wage that fails to meet their basic needs, the historic labor movement is making a comeback. In recent weeks, the teachers’ unions have made headlines with their multistate strike to demand higher pay and the Fight for $15 campaign for fast food workers is just one sign of a grassroots fight to provide a livable wage. The push is gaining traction around the country with CEOs like Amazon and McDonald’s coming under pressure to raise wages for their employees.
But it remains to be seen what will happen when the dust finally settles in the labor movement. Will the changes that have occurred result in sustainable long-term changes in labor laws? Will unions be able to stay strong and organized in the face of employer opposition? Will businesses be able to meet the demands of workers without suffering huge financial losses?
The answers to these questions hinge on the gains made in the current labor movement. One thing is certain: a new era of organizing and collective bargaining is unfolding in the United States, which will change the way in which employers and employees interact. As the labor movement continues to gain momentum, both employers and employees will have to reconsider the terms of their engagement. However, until the dust settles, it is difficult to predict exactly what the outcomes of these efforts will be.
What is certain is that more workers are beginning to realize their collective power and are becoming more organized in their actions. Ultimately, the labor movement has the potential to create lasting change for workers in the United States. Only when the dust has settled and the future takes shape can we measure the impact that the current labor movement has had.
