"Tech Disruption and Instant Gratification Push Workers to the Brink"

Workers across various industries, including UPS delivery drivers and Hollywood actors and writers, are experiencing labor unrest due to the changing nature of their jobs driven by technology and customer demands for speed and convenience. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated these changes, pushing retailers online and intensifying competition among entertainment companies. Overworked and underpaid employees are pushing back against forced overtime, punishing schedules, and reliance on lower-paid, part-time, or contract workers. In Hollywood, streaming has disrupted entertainment economics, slashing pay and forcing faster production with smaller teams. The rise of streaming has also affected residuals for actors and writers, leading to single-digit paychecks. Labor protests are expected to gain momentum following a recent UPS contract, but organizing efforts at companies like Starbucks and Amazon have faced resistance.