The labor movement is gaining momentum across the United States, from high-profile strikes in the service industry to wildcat walkouts in the retail sector. With workers steadily becoming more aligned under the umbrella of labor rights, many people are wondering what will happen next.
Labor activists are hoping for a widespread shift in how businesses treat their employees. These advocates are calling for better wages, benefits, and job security, as well as an enforcement on laws already in place to protect workers’ rights. With a majority of the momentum in the labor rights movement focused on low-wage workers, recent protests have called attention to the struggles of working families in the US.
Despite the apparent success of the labor movement, detractors have raised several issues. One of the most poignant concerns raised ubiquitous automation. As companies look to make their services more efficient, the role of a human labor within a business may be reduced or even outright eliminated. This creates issues with job stability and often decreases wages as well.
When the dust from the current labor movement settles, it’s likely that a new standard will be set for how employers do business. Essentially, the labor movement will become the new normal. It could be more difficult for businesses to squeeze the life out of their employees. Meanwhile, the interests of working employees will be taken into account when considering policies and procedures.
More than that, successful labor movements pave the way for a more educated public when it comes to employment rights. American citizens will have a greater understanding of their fundamental rights and protections, allowing them to be more discerning when it comes to which jobs they accept or the wages they agree to.
At the same time, the success of a labor movement has far-reaching implications for the US economy. As income discrepancies decrease and job security increases, working families have more to spend on goods and services, stabilizing the entire market.
It remains to be seen if the labor movement will gain enough traction in the US to fundamentally change the way businesses operate. But if recent uprisings are any indication, the country looks to be on the cusp of a major shift. We can only wait and see.
