FOX Business' Madison Alworth and the “Morning with Maria” panel discuss the latest information on the coordinated picketing efforts of Amazon warehouse workers in the days before Christmas.
Workers' strikes became a major issue in 2024. Tens of thousands of workers, from longshoremen to Starbucks baristas, have left their jobs in conflict with management.
While some of the strikes were more localized and did not affect overall operations, a single strike could cause problems in the supply chain that could affect the holiday season and beyond.
Port strike could have 'devastating' economic impact, retail industry group says
On October 1, 2024, longshoremen go on strike at the Bayport Container Terminal in Seabrook, Texas. Employees at 14 ports along the eastern and Gulf coasts of the United States were making last-minute preparations on Sept. 30 for what could be a prolonged labor strike. (Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
dock workers strike
On October 1, approximately 47,000 longshoremen from the International Longshoremen's Association went on strike, affecting 36 ports on the Gulf and East Coast. It was the first strike against eastern and coastal ports since 1977. The strike came as a result of failed negotiations with the U.S. Maritime Alliance over wages and automation at ports.
According to a JPMorgan analysis, the strike could cost the U.S. economy up to $5 billion a day.
The strike was suspended after two days, and the union and employer reached a conditional offer of a 62% wage increase. However, the suspension of the strike and the extension of the basic contract will only last until January 15, 2025, five days before President-elect Trump takes the oath of office. Presidents Biden and Trump spoke of support for longshoremen and union demands for wage and automation cuts.
US longshoremen shout out on picket lines: 'We got less than we deserved in the past'
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 2: Red Hook Container Terminal after members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) began walking away from work the previous day, October 2, 2024. Striking longshoremen walk along the picket line (Photo by Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images / Getty Images)
boeing machinists strike
On September 13, 2024, more than 33,000 machinists represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers went on strike in response to their rejection of a 25% wage increase over four years. It was the first shutdown at Boeing since 2008. Employees demanded higher wages and enhanced retirement benefits. The strike grounded Boeing's aircraft, including the 737, 772, and 767, as well as military aircraft. The strike caused problems with delivery schedules, and losses were estimated at about $1 billion per month.
Boeing strike causes biggest economic damage so far in 2024
Aerospace Machinists District 751 President John Holden (out of frame) announces that members will reject the Boeing contract proposal and go on strike following a vote at the union hall in Seattle, Washington. Union members reacted to the announcement. (Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The strike was resolved and ended on November 4, 2024. 59% of union members voted to accept a new contract offer that increases wages by 38% over four years and enhances 401(k) contributions. Although the strike has been resolved, Boeing said it created financial and operational problems that resulted in the company announcing the layoffs of 17,000 employees.
starbucks worker strike
In late December, more than 5,000 Starbucks employees at more than 300 stores in the United States went on strike over unresolved disputes over pay, staffing, and scheduling.
This will result in a total of approximately 10,000 employees at stores in the following cities:
- Los Angeles, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Seattle, Washington
- new york, new york
- boston, massachusetts
- dallas, texas
- portland oregon
- columbus ohio
- denver, colorado
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The union accused Starbucks of not keeping its promise made 10 months ago to finalize a collective bargaining agreement by the end of 2024.
Workers hold strike signs outside a unionized Starbucks coffee store on Katella Avenue in Anaheim on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, while fellow workers and more than 100 others across the U.S. They joined workers from unionized stores in the United Nations' one-day Red Cup Rebellion. (Mark Rightmire/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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The company said it offers competitive average salaries of more than $18 an hour and “best-in-class benefits,” including health care. make university tuition freepaid family leave and stock grants.
“No other retailer offers this kind of comprehensive pay and benefits package,” Kelly wrote. “Workers United’s proposals call for an immediate 64% increase in the minimum wage for our hourly partners and a 77% increase over the three-year contract period. These proposals are not sustainable, especially if we Our benefits package is what sets us apart as an employer and makes us proud to work at Starbucks. ”
Fox News Digital writer Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
