Union Perspectives

“Why are thousands of workers across multiple industries currently striking or planning to strike?” asks Robert Reich. “I guess it’s a mystery.” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) pay has skyrocketed 1,460 percent since 1978, while workers’ pay grew by 18 percent, Reich said. Amazon’s CEO was paid 6,474 times the company’s worker in 2021. This is a perfect example of a rigged system against the workers. The union representing the 3,300 UPS pilots say they will not cross the picket lines if the Teamster drivers and package sorters go on strike August 1, which would essentially shutdown the express logistics company’s global operations. The pilots are represented by the Independent Pilots Association, separate from the Teamsters, but in solidarity with them. The writers and actors of your favorite shows or movies are on strike and it may have to do with the fact CEOs do little of the work, but are paid way more than those who do. The CEOs currently are making at: Fox Corporation $22 million;

What would Mother Jones think or say about the states, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio and Arkansas, that have changed the labor laws regarding children? Many other states are working to roll back child labor laws so children can work in meatpacking plants, auto factories, logging, construction sites and bars, which would leave children to open to be exploited or injured like in the days that Mother Jones fought most of her life to get children out of these dangerous jobs and into school. At this time, sixteen year olds can serve alcoholic drinks, fourteen year olds can work in meat packing factories and it’s all being pushed by corporations. The U.S. Department of Labor says there has been a 69 percent increase in companies illegally employing children since 2018. Some blame the child labor trend on the 3.5 percent unemployment rate and the lack of workers so naturally children should forego their futures for the sake of corporate greed and claim children can get valuable work experience and he