The Past and Present of Strikes
As the many Notre Dame students who hold part-time jobs know, there are certain protections workers are entitled to: a safe environment, regular breaks, minimum wages, and so much more. But how were these rights won? In many cases, the answer is through strikes.
The idea of striking was first developed and implemented during the Industrial Revolution, when the workforce found more employment in mines and factories than in smaller farms and businesses. After becoming fed-up with poor working conditions along with minimal pay, and the repeated refusal of factory owners to improve them, workers organized themselves into unions, which collectively bargained for certain improvements. For example, the Steel Strike of 1959, the largest strike in US history that involved 500,000 employees, was caused by the steel factory’s refusal to raise wages or implement reasonable working hours. Another notable strike is the 1965 Delano Grape Strike, in which California farmworkers fought for safer working conditions, especially around pesticides. The success of these two strikes, as well as many others, have demonstrated the effectiveness of collective bargaining which likely inspired two recent strikes: The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike and the Screen Actors Guild- American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike.
The UAW strike and the SAG-AFTRA strike represent recent chapters in the ongoing struggle for workers' rights across different industries. The UAW strike, which gained significant attention, involved workers in the automotive sector, particularly employees of major U.S. automakers. Initiated due to disputes over wages, job security, and benefits, the UAW strike showcased the determination of workers to secure fair compensation and improved working conditions. On the other hand, the SAG-AFTRA strike brought to light the concerns of actors, performers, and media professionals within the entertainment industry. Issues such as equitable compensation and the effects of streaming on the entertainment industry took center stage as members of SAG-AFTRA united to address longstanding challenges in the dynamic landscape of film and television production. Both strikes underscore the continued importance of collective action in advocating for the well-being and rights of workers in diverse sectors.
In conclusion, the historical roots of workers' rights trace back to the Industrial Revolution when strikes became a powerful tool for laborers to demand better conditions. The legacy of past successes, such as the Steel Strike of 1959 and the Delano Grape Strike, echoes in recent events like the UAW and SAG-AFTRA strikes, highlighting the enduring significance of collective action in safeguarding the rights and well-being of workers across various industries.
