Why Do Workers Keep Going on Strike?

All across America, workers of different industries are going on strike. UPS workers, actors and writers, and even Starbucks workers have been going on strike. The primary reason for this seems to be poor working conditions and low pay. These industries are nothing alike but seem to have one commonality. The commonality between all of these different industries seems to be that the workers are treated poorly.

This is why the workers are going on strike. This would include teachers, healthcare workers, actors, writers, fast food workers, retail, and so many more. “Strikes arise for a number of reasons, though principally in response to economic conditions (defined as an economic strike and meant to improve wages and benefits) or labour practices (intended to improve work conditions),” according to Britannica. The livelihood of the working man entirely depends on whether or not they have a good job. Making sure everyone makes a living wage and doesn’t work in a dangerous workplace is important.

Mouths to Feed

People have children to feed and no one likes having to tell their kid that they can’t buy them Christmas presents because the rent was due. Workers going on strike is a consequence of the material conditions in which they live. People don’t go on strike for no reason, they do it because they need to. If people just wanted a pay raise, they could ask for it, but they don’t want a pay raise, they need it. The need for better working conditions and the desperation that follows is the essential breeding ground for strikes. When one wonders “Why do workers keep going on strike?” one should think of the harsh conditions of wage slavery.

Written by Kenneth Mazerat

Sources:

Britannica: Strike

APNews: Hollywood’s actors are joining screenwriters on strike. Here’s why and what happens next by Andrew Dalton

Vox: Hollywood’s historic double strike, explained by Alissa Wilkinson

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Carlos Fernandez’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

First Inset Image Courtesy of Joe Brusky’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License