NIGHTLINE Reports Decline of Unions - Patco Strike, Phelps Dodge, Hormel Strike

Overview of Labor Strikes

The segment begins with strikers from the Writers Guild of America on the picket line, protesting against ABC and CBS. Ted Koppel introduces the topic of union dynamics in the current American labor landscape.

A significant trend in the U.S. labor movement is the decline in union membership, indicative of a broader unraveling of labor contracts established during more prosperous periods of labor history.
Union membership has decreased from 35.5% in 1945, when 14 million union members existed in a workforce of 40 million, to just 17% today, with only 17 million in a workforce of 96 million.

Management argues that strikes and confrontational tactics are detrimental to all parties involved, preferring a model based on cooperation and mutual interests to meet challenges such as foreign competition and economic devaluation.
Labor expert David Brody comments on how Ronald Reagan’s presidency marked a significant turning point for labor relations; in 1981, Reagan's decision to fire air traffic controllers for striking legitimized anti-union tactics previously deemed unacceptable.

Historical examples highlight the weakening of unions:
- In 1983, Phelps Dodge ceased negotiations with striking workers due to plummeting copper prices, leading to workers feeling pressured to abandon their strikes due to economic security concerns.
- By 1985, Phelps Dodge employees voted to decertify their union, signaling a significant loss of union presence and effectiveness.
- A notable strike at the Hormel meatpacking plant ended with striking workers replaced, illustrating the growing risk of job loss associated with strikes.

The labor landscape is changing, with unions struggling to maintain their traditional leverage. Instances like the longest steel strike ending in concessions and the TWA flight attendants’ strike highlight the need for unions to adapt their strategies in response to management's hardened positions.
The Writers Guild's strike highlights negotiations over seniority rights which significantly contribute to job security for long-term employees.

The fear of being replaced is inhibiting current unionized workers from striking; they risk losing jobs permanently, as evidenced by American Airlines flight attendants, who opted not to strike due to these concerns.
A growing trend is the introduction of two-tier pay systems where veteran workers earn significantly more than newer employees. This disparity generates tension and threatens traditional union solidarity.
American Airlines cites competitors who emerged from bankruptcy without union contracts, leading to drastic salary cuts for employees, prompting unions to critique these comparisons as misleading.

With traditional strategies like striking becoming less viable, unions are exploring alternative tactics. For example, American Airlines flight attendants began using public relations strategies to damage the airline's reputation rather than engaging in strikes.
Tactics such as distributing pamphlets to raise awareness about safety and environmental concerns illustrate this shift, though management responded by terminating those involved.

Many unions in the U.S. find themselves at a crossroads, adapting to new challenges and aiming to retain existing benefits amidst declining support and traditional bargaining power. The critical question remains how unions can navigate this evolving landscape without losing further ground.