Arthur Wheaton

Director of Labor Studies, ILR School

Art Wheaton serves as director of labor studies at Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) and says the potential strike by Teamsters at A-B is a story told in nearly all Union negotiations.

Wheaton says:

“The Teamsters are fighting for better wages, especially since higher inflation recently and stronger job security. These issues, along with health and safety, are topics repeated in the last few years. The increasing tensions and rhetoric are amplified as the contract deadline approaches.

“Expectations of union members have increased as huge gains were achieved in contracts at UPS, UAW Detroit Three and Hollywood. The strong labor market gives unions more leverage, and public support has favored workers in the last few years, leading to big gains and higher expectations.”