The United States of America is facing a new threat to the billionaires and elites. That threat? The rise of organized labor and class consciousness.
Class consciousness is something which is not often talked about within the realm of American politics. Simply put, it is the realization of the position of the working class outnumbers and overrides the position of the elite class. Workers have realized the power they hold, and as such are taking a stance on their role in society on a national level. In this coming decade, we will witness the rise and sustained power of what I like to call The New Labor Movement.
The old labor movement of the 20th century was one of workers gaining power over their employers. The workers of the time were putting foreword a message: they wanted a say in their workplace, they wanted a fair system, and they wanted it now. Class consciousness, while not a term yet, was present in the public, with many in the working class knowing their position over their employer. In the late 20th century and early decades of the 21st century, America saw the rebirth of unrestrained wealth and the true face of corporate greed. Union membership crashed, and class consciousness faded into obscurity. Now as we move into a new decade, Americans have realized their mistakes as the same problems their great grandparents faced begin to shine through in our modern world, and with these problems, class consciousness arises again.
Workers in America have begun to realize that the utter greed of billionaires has deteriorated the fabric of their community. There are no more good paying jobs. There are no more American goods. And most importantly, there is no democracy in their workplace. Many people are working long hours and mandatory overtime just to scrape by, that is, if they even have a job. The price of living has skyrocketed, grocery store shelves begin to empty, small businesses are few and far between, and the rich grow richer. In 2021, labor unions are taking a stand against corporate greed. Many workers, service and industrial, are pushing for unions, and the ones that succeed are celebrated. Strikes are a daily occurrence, with some making national headlines. When the executives of these companies speak or act against the strike, they are met with harsh backlash. The richest men in the world are being seen as shills and conmen, abusing their workers and creating unimaginable profit. Workers are making their voices heard, and because of that, The New Labor Movement is beginning to make headlines.
As of the writing of this publication, there have been 245 Strikes lasting more than a day in 2021 according to the Labor Action Tracker from the Industrial and Labor Relations school at Cornell University. Between 2001 and 2017, the number of workers on strike never surpassed 200,000, with most unable to surpass even 100,000. In 2018 and 2019, the number was well over 400,000 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) and with the coronavirus pandemic adding to labor unrest, the total in 2021 is expected to be much higher when the statistics are released. These strikes are getting bigger, and their voices are getting louder. Organized labor has found its footing in the new century, and workers in America, service, industrial, and office, will finally gain the recognition and respect they have always deserved. Class consciousness has returned, and it has made workers in America realize they are more than just workers, they are people, and people who deserve a better life.
Unions in The New Labor Movement are a way for workers to gain a better life for themselves and for their community. If you are a worker in America who feels you are getting under-payed and over-worked, don't have a say in your workplace, or just want a better community, it might be time to look into unionization.
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