For the first time in years, American workers have enough bargaining leverage to demand better working conditions and higher wages – and are refusing to work until they get them.
Here’s where that leverage comes from. After a year and a half of the pandemic, consumers have pent-up demand for all sorts of goods and services. But employers are finding it hard to fill positions to meet that demand.
The most recent jobs report showed the number of job openings at a record high. The share of people working or looking for work has dropped to a near-record low 61.6 percent. In August, 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs, the highest quit rate since 2000.
Republicans have been claiming for months that people aren’t getting back to work because of federal unemployment benefits. Rubbish.
The number of people working or looking for work dropped in September – after the extra benefits ran out on Labor Day.
The reluctance of people to work doesn’t have anything to do with unemployment benefits. It has everything to do with workers being […]
I follow Reich and tend to agree with him more than disagree. On this one he nailed it! He described my situation exactly and I didn’t even recognize it!!
I’m ready, willing, and able to work but I’m not about to go work for a business who puts their fiduciary responsibilities to maximize ownership profits ahead of their employees well being and their responsibilities to society.