Decreasing Strikes and the Vanishing Middle Class

In 2014, there were 11 strikes in the U.S. involving 1,000 or more employees. For historical perspective: In 2005, there were 22 strikes; in 1995, 31 strikes; in 1985, 54 strikes; in 1975, 235 strikes; in 1965, 268 strikes; and in 1955, 363 strikes. Strikes have numerous drawbacks, including spillover impacts on “upstream” and “downstream” businesses and the public. But a main benefit of strikes—in the aggregate— was improvement in the standard of living for union members. Was, not is, because today the economy is purring along with virtually no disruption from work stoppages due to unions' weak bargaining power. Beneath this placid surface, however, the middle class is quietly vanishing. Data are here: : http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkstp.pdf .