Employers' Miscalculations Fuel Industry Strikes and Challenges

Recent labor standoffs, including strikes by Hollywood writers, UPS employees, and University of California student employees, have resulted in substantial gains for workers, indicating that they have more leverage than in the past. Employers are being caught off guard by the tactics and resolve of new union leaders, underestimating the frustration and determination of the post-pandemic workforce. Employers are acting from outdated templates and are miscalculating their concessions, while unions are successfully rallying members and the public. The changing landscape of labor negotiations, increased public support for unions, and workers' willingness to follow through on strikes are contributing to this shift in power dynamics.