A new report by the Economic Policy Institute, 271,500 went on strike last year, looks at the basics of striking and the legal issues around a work action. Do you ever wonder why there are no more “Sit-Down” strikes. They are now illegal. What can be done to restore workers rights during a strike. Here’s a few ideas…
Federal policy solutions
The 2024 BLS data on major work stoppages show that over 271,500 workers exercised the right to strike to pursue pay increases, better benefits, and safer working conditions. However, current labor law does not adequately protect workers’ fundamental right to strike. The following are federal policies that would strengthen workers’ right to engage in collective action:
- The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act includes critical reforms that would strengthen private-sector workers’ right to strike. The PRO Act would expand the scope for strikes by eliminating the prohibition on secondary strikes and allowing the use of intermittent strikes. It would also strengthen workers’ ability to strike by prohibiting employers from permanently replacing striking workers.
- The Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act would prevent employers from retaliating against striking workers by cutting off health coverage of workers and family members.
( photo by Foundry @ Pixabay)
