The Economic Impact of the Auto Workers Strike
Brief Published on September 21, 2023The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is in the midst of an unprecedented "stand-up strike" against the three major US auto manufacturers, presently shutting down US factories in Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri; idling 12,700 union workers; and disrupting other parts of the supply chain. These interruptions come at a time when the industry was just beginning to normalize in the aftermath of the pandemic. Given the scope of affected operations, the economic costs of the strike are high and could well increase substantially if the work stoppages are prolonged and expanded.
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- auto production,
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- economic impact
The Economic Impact of a National Rail Strike
Brief Published on October 17, 2022Rail is a crucial component of the US logistics system, and a strike would lead to significant logistical dislocations, exacerbate ongoing supply chain challenges, put additional upward pressure on prices and, thus, do substantial economic harm. Although a tentative agreement was reached between the major railways and union representatives (with the help of Biden Administration officials), it requires ratification by union members before going into effect. One of the largest of the 12 unions recently rejected the package, and concern has been expressed by several others.
Keeping Things Moving
Column Published in syndication August 09, 2023As you probably know, UPS and the Teamsters union have reached an agreement to narrowly avert a nationwide strike. This high-stakes standoff likely wasn't nightly dinner table conversation for most of you, but the issue was far more impactful than merely one company and its 340,000 or so workers directly involved in the negotiations. A strike would have caused delivery delays, challenged the supply chain, pushed up inflation, and affected individuals and businesses across the world. It would have been particularly problematic for rural residents and those requiring critical medical supplies.