The Impact of Consumer Demand on Labor Unrest
Workers across various industries, including UPS delivery drivers and Hollywood actors and writers, are experiencing labor unrest due to the changing demands of customers for speed and convenience. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these changes, pushing retailers to shift online and intensifying competition in the streaming industry. Overworked and underpaid employees are pushing back against forced overtime, punishing schedules, and reliance on lower-paid, part-time, or contract workers. Hollywood screenwriters and actors are striking over reduced pay and the pressure to produce content faster. Streaming services have disrupted entertainment economics, resulting in lower residuals and inadequate compensation. Similar issues are faced by UPS drivers, who have dealt with forced overtime and unpredictable schedules. While the UPS strike was a success, labor protests in other industries face challenges in achieving similar outcomes. The pandemic has shifted the focus to the well-being of workers and may lead to increased labor unrest in the future.