FOX Business' Madison Allworth and the “Morning with Maria” panel discuss the latest updates on Amazon's warehouse workers' coordinated effort in the days leading up to Christmas.
Workers' strikes were an important issue in 2024. From dock workers to Starbucks baristas, tens of thousands of workers walked off the job in protest of management.
Many strikes were more localized and did not affect overall operations, but a single strike could cause supply chain problems that would affect the holiday season and beyond.
The retail trade group says port strikes could have a “devastating” impact on the economy
Dock workers strike on October 1, 2024 at the Bayport Container Terminal in Seabrook, Texas. Officials at 14 ports along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts were making last-minute preparations for a possible labor strike on Sept. 30. (MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Port workers strike
On October 1, approximately 47,000 dockworkers from the International Longshoreman's Association went on strike, affecting 36 ports on the Persian Gulf and East Coast. This was the first attack on the ports of the East and the Persian Gulf since 1977. The strike comes as a result of failed negotiations with the US Maritime Alliance over payments and automation at ports.
A JP Morgan analysis said the strike could cost the US economy up to $5 billion a day.
The strike was called off after two days, when the union and employers agreed on a conditional offer of a 62 percent wage increase. However, the strike suspension and original contract extension only last until January 15, 2025, five days before President-elect Trump is sworn in. President Biden and Trump have spoken of their support for dock workers and their union demands for wages and reduced automation.
US port worker speaks out on picket line: 'We've taken less than we deserved in the past'
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 2: Striking dock workers at the Red Hook Container Terminal walk through a picket line after members of the International Longshoremen's Association, or ILA, began walking off work the previous day, October 2, 2024 in Red Hook. (Photo by Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Boeing machinists strike
On September 13, 2024, more than 33,000 machinists, represented by the International Union of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, went on strike after rejecting a 25 percent wage increase over four years. It was the first work stoppage at Boeing since 2008. Workers sought more pay increases and better retirement benefits. The attack led to the grounding of Boeing aircraft including the 737, 772 and 767 and their military counterparts. This strike caused problems in the delivery of goods and its losses were estimated at around one billion dollars per month.
Costliest Boeing strike in terms of economic damage so far in 2024
Union members react as Aerospace Machinery District 751 President John Holden (out of box) announced that union members rejected Boeing's proposed contract and would go on strike following the vote at their union hall in Seattle, Washington. (Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The strike was resolved and ended on November 4, 2024. 59 percent of union members voted to accept the new contract proposal, which raised wages by 38 percent over four years and increased 401(k) contributions. Despite the strike's settlement, Boeing said the strike caused financial and operational challenges that forced the company to lay off 17,000 workers.
Starbucks workers strike
In late December, more than 5,000 Starbucks employees at more than 300 U.S. stores went on strike over unresolved disputes over wages, staffing and schedules.
That's a total of about 10,000 employees in stores in the following cities:
- Los Angeles, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Seattle, Washington
- New York, New York
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Dallas, Texas
- Portland, Oregon
- Columbus, Ohio
- Denver, Colorado
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The union accused Starbucks of failing to meet a commitment it made 10 months ago to finalize a labor agreement by the end of 2024.
Workers carry picket signs outside a Starbucks union coffee shop on Katla Street in Anaheim, joining other workers and more than 100 other union locations across the country on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in a day-long Red Cup walkout. (Mark Reitmeier/News Media Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images/Getty Images)
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The company said it offers a competitive average wage of more than $18 an hour and “best-in-class benefits,” including health care. Free college tuitionpaid family leave and company stock allowance.
“No other retailer offers this kind of comprehensive pay and benefits package,” Kelly wrote. “United Workers' proposals call for immediate minimum wage increases for hourly associates of 64% and 77% over the course of the three-year contract. These proposals are not sustainable, Especially when the investments we make continuously are the whole benefits package that characterizes us as an employer What sets us apart—and what makes us proud to work at Starbucks.
Fox News digital writer Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.