Fox Business’ Madison Alworth and ‘Mornings with Maria’ panel discuss the latest updates on Amazon warehouse workers’ coordinated strike effort just days before Christmas.
The workers’ strike was an important issue in 2024. Thousands of workers, from dockworkers to Starbucks baristas, walked off their jobs in clashes with management.
Many strikes were more localized, not affecting overall operations, but one strike could cause supply chain issues that could impact the holiday season and beyond.
Retail trade group says port strikes could have ‘devastating’ impact on economy
Dockworkers strike at the Bayport Container Terminal in Seabrook, Texas on October 1, 2024. Officials at 14 ports along the US East and Gulf Coast were making last-minute preparations for a possible labor strike on September 30, which could go ahead. (Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
port workers strike
On October 1, approximately 47,000 dockworkers of the International Longshoremen’s Association went on strike, affecting 36 ports on the Gulf and East coasts. It was the first strike at eastern and Gulf ports since 1977. The strike resulted from failed negotiations with the American Maritime Alliance over wages and automation at ports.
An analysis by JPMorgan said the strike could cost the US economy up to $5 billion per day.
The strike was postponed after two days, when the union and employer reached a conditional offer of a 62% wage increase. However, the suspension of the strike and extension of the main contract will last only until January 15, 2025, five days before President-elect Trump takes the oath of office. Presidents Biden and Trump have spoken of their support for dockworkers and their union’s demands to lower wages and automation.
US port worker at picket site says: ‘We’ve taken less than we expected in the past’
New York, New York – October 2: Striking dock workers at the Red Hook Container Terminal hold a picket after members of the International Longshoremen’s Association, or ILA, began walking off the job a day earlier, October 2, 2024 in Red Hook. (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 following the rejection of a 25% wage increase over four years. This was the first work stoppage at Boeing since 2008. Employees demanded higher pay increases and better retirement benefits. The strike led to the suspension of Boeing aircraft models, including the 737, 772 and 767, and their military counterparts. The strike caused problems with delivery schedules and was estimated to result in losses of approximately $1 billion per month.
Boeing strike will be the most expensive economic loss so far in 2024
John Holden (out of frame), President of Aerospace Machinists District 751, announces that union members have rejected the proposed Boeing contract and will go on strike following the results of the vote at their union hall in Seattle, Washington. There is a reaction. (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 proposal, which increased wages by 38% over four years, and provided for increased 401(k) contributions. Despite the resolution of the strike, Boeing said that the strike caused financial and operational challenges that led the company to announce layoffs of 17,000 workers.
starbucks employee strike
In late December, more than 5,000 Starbucks employees in more than 300 U.S. stores began a strike over unresolved disputes over pay, staffing, and schedules.
There are a total of approximately 10,000 employees in 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 failing to honor a commitment made 10 months ago to finalize a labor agreement by the end of 2024.
Workers hold strike signs outside the unionized Starbucks Coffee on Katella Avenue in Anaheim along with fellow workers and workers at more than 100 other unionized locations across the country in the one-day UN Red Cup rebellion on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Have taken. (Mark Rightmire/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images/Getty Images)
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The company said it offers a competitive average wage of more than $18 an hour and “best-in-class benefits,” including health care. free college tuitionPaid family leave and company stock grants.
“No other retailer offers such a comprehensive salary and benefits package,” Kelly wrote. “Workers United’s proposals call for an immediate increase in the minimum wage for hourly partners by 64% and 77% over the life of the three-year contract. These proposals are not sustainable, especially as we continue to invest in our overall Our benefits package is what sets us apart as an employer – and, what makes us proud to work at Starbucks.
Fox News Digital writer Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
