C-Suite executives at Big Three plants and in Hollywood learn the power of workers | Opinion

Appreciate this moment. The American worker is witnessing the end of the era of oppressive corporate rule and the dawning of worker solidarity.In seizing this opportunity, labor unions, the last advocates of worker prosperity, have drawn lines in the sand in opposition to an array of corporate titans and powerful special interests. What feels excitedly different is the emergence of a new generation of savvy, strong union leaders, each seemingly built to meet the moment on their respective national stages.

Ignoring demands for shared dignity in the face of fat corporate profits, UPS and the Big Three automakers watched as workers grew frustrated with being fed hot air at the negotiating table. Frustrations sparked into organized conflagrations throughout their respective labor unions. By July 2023, union members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters planned aggressively to ratchet up pressure on UPS. Strike captains began preparations; members trained on picket-line formations. By late August, the C-suite execs blinked and employees announced ratification of a new contract.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien called the agreement the most lucrative negotiated at UPS, even predicting it’d serve as a model for other workers the union seeks to organize.

Also in July 2023, the United Auto Workers opened contract talks with GM, Ford and Stellantis. UAW President Shawn Fain declared the union unafraid to hold a strike without a fair contract. With proposals falling flat, the UAW’s steadfast leadership called for worker strikes against all of the Big Three at once, a historic first.

Corporate profits are derived at the hands of profit generators — the worker. Obscene profits equal egregious wage theft from those profit generators. Since 2019, and while enjoying record corporate profits, UPS’ net profit rocketed by more than 70%, surpassing $11 billion, while Big Three CEO pay ballooned by 34% at GM, 21% at Ford, and 77% at Stellantis. Auto workers are striking for a more equitable boost. Ford wasn’t “Built Tough” by the uncalloused hands of C-suite execs; it’s the workers who did. By Oct. 30, the UAW had reached historically-enriching tentative agreements for their members with each of the automakers.

Leaders making history

In July 2023, the lights dimmed on Hollywood as the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists unions went on strike over labor disputes with studio execs. WGA President Meredith Stiehm and SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher led this strike in opposition to industry changes brought by streaming and its effects on residuals, and the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital recreation. By October, the WGA ratified a deal and nightly TV programming returned. As of writing, actors are still striking.

In the public sector, a master class in member advocacy was given by International Association of Fire Fighters General President Edward Kelly. Early this year, Kelly announced the retention of three law firms to take on corporate interests in a fight against PFAS, “forever chemicals” that are present in firefighter protective gear and are linked to cancer, the leading cause of firefighter death. Under Kelly’s leadership, the IAFF focused its sights on changing regulatory standards, demanding PFAS-free gear and providing legal recourse to members and families afflicted by PFAS-related illness.

Staring down powerful chemicals companies like 3M, a listed defendant in the suit, takes courage. In working to remove these forever chemicals from firefighter protective gear, Kelly stands firm — “the health and safety of our members is non-negotiable, period.”

The era of populism and worker solidarity is upon us. Realizing this opportunity requires strong, savvy leaders in the labor movement. Union leaders are meeting this moment and setting the standard for others to aim. Never forget that courage can be contagious.

John O’Brien, MPA, is president of the South Florida Council of Firefighters and a 2023 graduate of the Harvard Trade Union Program.

This story was originally published October 30, 2023 at 5:44 PM.