As the 2024 presidential elections approach, a wave of labor strikes is sweeping across the United States, signaling a significant rise in worker activism. On September 12, 2024, over 33,000 Boeing factory workers initiated a strike, overwhelmingly rejecting a Tentative Agreement with more than 94% voting against it. This action follows the earlier strikes by 10,000 hotel workers who walked off the job on September 1, demanding better pay and working conditions [bed1162d].
In addition to the Boeing and hotel workers, Marathon Refinery workers in Detroit have also joined the strike movement, further highlighting the growing unrest among laborers. Amazon workers are actively pursuing unionization efforts, while the United Auto Workers (UAW) are preparing for potential strikes against Stellantis. Moreover, Los Angeles County workers are considering a strike on October 10, and 45,000 longshoremen may strike as early as October 1, which could disrupt the economy significantly [bed1162d].
These strikes are largely a response to economic struggles faced by workers, including rising inflation and unaffordable rents. The current political climate has not gone unnoticed, as President Biden has refrained from invoking the Taft-Hartley Act to prevent these labor actions, a move that has drawn criticism from various quarters [bed1162d].
The article critiques both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their right-leaning policies, suggesting that their approaches do not adequately address the needs of the working class. It emphasizes the necessity for workers to unite and take collective action against the ruling class, drawing parallels between labor movements and broader social justice movements, including solidarity with Palestinian struggles [bed1162d].
As these labor actions unfold, they represent a critical moment for the American workforce, showcasing the potential power of a united labor movement amidst the backdrop of a contentious electoral season [bed1162d].