LogFAQs > #971582508

WingsOfGood posted...

Since I don't live in Europe and you do I will ask you.

The excuse that keeps getting parroted is Americans can't strike because they have to worry about next month rent etc.

Do you Europeans get to strike so easily and worry free as these Americans are claiming?

Lmao, not at all. But if you are part of a union and on an official strike you are somewhat secure. Unless an hourly paid worker, which many are.

Setting aside the fact that you need to get the union members to vote in support it first, many businesses need minimum numbers to run so you won't all be striking - as a nurse, even though my union voted to strike I've been working during it at times to ensure the hospitals can still run. Which makes it amusing the government is claiming they "have" to bring in a law preventing us from striking to keep minimum numbers, when we already do that.

It's definitely much easier when you do have the backing of a union though, but not everyone does, and many aren't powerful enough or even willing to fight properly. Minimum wage workers are almost always fucked in this regard and easily dismissed or not able to secure proper benefits.

And yes, for all the "great benefits" we have in Europe, they could and should be better still. But if you do nothing, then nothing changes. You have to be prepared to sacrifice your own well being if you want change.

However, I fully get why many American's are hesitant. You are fully bent over and in the prime "get fucked" position. You will be disposed of immediately and with vengeance at the slightest whiff of resistance. I get why many don't want to risk being able to live when facing up against giant businesses who actively and openly despise them.