Recent Victories for Workers

In recent years, the global labor movement has witnessed numerous victories for workers, highlighting the importance of collective action and unionization. From historic strikes to landmark legislation, these gains demonstrate the power of solidarity and the impact it can have on workers’ lives. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most significant union gains and victories, and what they mean for the future of work.

The Fight for Fair Pay

One of the most significant union gains in recent years is the increase in minimum wage rates around the world. In the United States, for example, several states and cities have implemented minimum wage hikes, with some areas reaching as high as $15 per hour. In the United Kingdom, the minimum wage was increased to £9.50 per hour in April 2022, and is set to rise to £10.50 per hour by 2023. These gains have helped to address poverty and income inequality, and have given workers a much-needed boost to their take-home pay.

Improved Working Conditions

Another area where unions have made significant gains is in improving working conditions. In the United States, for example, the passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act in 2021 aimed to strengthen labor protections and prevent employer retaliation against workers who join or support a union. In the United Kingdom, the Health and Safety (Fitness-Conditional Premises) Regulations 2021 introduced new requirements for employers to ensure their workplaces are safe and healthy. These gains have helped to reduce the risk of injury and illness at work, and have improved the overall well-being of workers.

Increased Job Security

Unions have also made significant gains in the area of job security. In the United States, for example, the passage of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act in 2021 aimed to protect workers from sudden and unexpected layoffs. In the United Kingdom, the Trade Union Act 2016 introduced new requirements for employers to provide advance notice of redundancies. These gains have helped to reduce job insecurity and uncertainty, and have given workers a greater sense of stability and security.

Notable Union Struggles

While there have been many union gains and victories in recent years, there are also ongoing struggles and challenges facing workers. In the United States, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for better healthcare and safety protections for workers. In the United Kingdom, the ongoing crisis in the National Health Service (NHS) has led to concerns about the sustainability of public services and the impact on workers. These struggles and challenges serve as a reminder of the ongoing importance of collective action and unionization.

The Future of Work

As the global labor movement looks to the future, there are several key challenges and opportunities on the horizon. In the United States, for example, the Biden administration’s “Build Back Better” agenda aims to promote workers’ rights and address income inequality. In the United Kingdom, the government’s “Great British Railways” plan aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the rail network, while also protecting jobs and workers’ rights. These initiatives demonstrate the ongoing commitment to improving working conditions and promoting workers’ rights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the global labor movement has witnessed numerous union gains and victories in recent years, highlighting the importance of collective action and unionization. From increased minimum wage rates to improved working conditions and increased job security, these gains have had a significant impact on workers’ lives. As the labor movement looks to the future, there are several key challenges and opportunities on the horizon, including the need to promote workers’ rights and address income inequality. By continuing to organize and advocate for their rights, workers can achieve a better future and a more sustainable and equitable world.

FAQs

Q: What are some of the most significant union gains in recent years?

A: Some of the most significant union gains in recent years include the increase in minimum wage rates, improved working conditions, and increased job security.

Q: How have unions improved working conditions?

A: Unions have improved working conditions through the passage of legislation such as the Health and Safety (Fitness-Conditional Premises) Regulations 2021 in the United Kingdom, which introduced new requirements for employers to ensure their workplaces are safe and healthy.

Q: What is the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act?

A: The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is a US law passed in 2021 aimed at strengthening labor protections and preventing employer retaliation against workers who join or support a union.

Q: What is the Trade Union Act 2016?

A: The Trade Union Act 2016 is a UK law that introduced new requirements for employers to provide advance notice of redundancies and protect workers’ rights.

Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China Expected to Have Profound Impact on Global Automotive Industry

A car carrier trailer waits in line next to the border wall before crossing to the United States at Otay commercial port in Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on Jan. 22, 2025.

Guillermo Arias | AFP | Getty Images

DETROIT — Tariffs announced Saturday by the Trump administration of 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico as well as an additional 10% on products from China are expected to have a profound impact on the global automotive industry.

For months, automakers have been taking a "wait-and-see" approach to the Trump administration’s tariff threat. That waiting period is coming to an end and automakers will likely need to implement prior contingency plans to attempt to offset additional costs in the coming weeks and months.

Impact on the Automotive Industry

Depending on the details, the tariffs on Mexico could have the greatest impact on the automotive industry, followed by Canada and then China, depending on the automaker.

"Any tariff action must be followed with a renegotiation of the [United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement], and a full review of the corporate trade regime that has devastated the American and global working class," Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers Union, said in a statement.

Automaker Reactions

General Motors and other major automakers did not immediately respond for comment regarding the tariffs Saturday night. Others such as Ford declined to comment, while Honda issued a broad statement: "North American auto trade is key to the success of Honda globally and we look forward to a swift resolution that provides clarity and stability throughout the region."

Most major automakers have factories in the U.S. However, they still rely heavily on imports from other countries including Mexico to meet American consumer demand.

Tariffs and the Industry

A tariff is a tax on imports, or foreign goods, brought into the United States. The companies importing the goods pay the tariffs, and some fear the companies would simply pass any additional costs on to consumers — raising the cost of vehicles and potentially reducing demand.

The formal announcement provides some clarity for companies but could cost automakers, many of which have produced vehicles without tariffs in Canada and Mexico for decades, billions of dollars.

Uncertainty and Contingency Plans

Uncertainty about trade took a toll on GM on Tuesday, when the automaker’s stock had one of its worst days in years even after it beat Wall Street’s expectations for its 2025 guidance and its top- and bottom-line for the fourth quarter.

"Our key take from GM’s 4Q [earnings] result is that while the opportunity for GM is highly compelling, US policy uncertainty must be navigated for the time being," Barclays analyst Dan Levy said in an investor note Wednesday.

GM did not account for potential tariffs in its guidance, which CFO Paul Jacobson described as a "cautious" approach given no duties on North American goods had been implemented yet.

Impact on Earnings

Wells Fargo estimates that 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada imports would cost the traditional Detroit automaker billions of dollars a year. The firm estimates the impact of 5%, 10% and 25% tariffs on GM, Ford Motor, and Chrysler parent Stellantis would collectively be $13 billion, $25 billion and $56 billion, respectively.

S&P Global Mobility, formerly IHS Markit, estimates a 25% duty on a $25,000 vehicle from Canada or Mexico would add $6,250 to its cost — some if not most of which could be passed on to the consumer.

Automakers Most at Risk

S&P Mobility reports plants in Canada and Mexico produce roughly 5.3 million vehicles, with about 70% — nearly 4 million — destined for the U.S.

Mexico accounted for a majority of those vehicles, as five automakers — Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota Motor, and Honda — produced only an estimated 1.3 million light-duty vehicles in 2024 in Canada, largely for the U.S. market, according to a Canadian manufacturing nonprofit research group.

Conclusion

The tariffs announced by the Trump administration are expected to have a profound impact on the global automotive industry. Automakers will need to implement prior contingency plans to attempt to offset additional costs in the coming weeks and months. The industry is deeply integrated between the countries, with Mexico importing 49.4% of all auto parts from the U.S. In turn, Mexico exports 86.9% of its auto parts production to the U.S.

FAQs

Q: What are the tariffs announced by the Trump administration?
A: The tariffs are 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% on products from China.

Q: How will the tariffs impact the automotive industry?
A: The tariffs are expected to have a profound impact on the global automotive industry, with automakers likely to implement prior contingency plans to attempt to offset additional costs.

Q: Which automakers are most at risk from the tariffs?
A: Volkswagen, Nissan, Stellantis, GM, Ford, Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai are the automakers most exposed to tariffs on vehicles imported from Mexico, based on the percentage of their U.S. sales being produced south of the border.

Q: What is the estimated impact of the tariffs on automaker earnings?
A: Wells Fargo estimates that 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada imports would cost the traditional Detroit automaker billions of dollars a year. The firm estimates the impact of 5%, 10% and 25% tariffs on GM, Ford Motor, and Chrysler parent Stellantis would collectively be $13 billion, $25 billion and $56 billion, respectively.

New York City Office Space Demand Reaches Pre-Pandemic Levels

Record Demand in the Fourth Quarter

Demand for New York City office space has finally returned to pre-pandemic levels, driven by an influx of new workers as well as a drive by employers to see current workers return to the office. According to VTS, which measures demand through unique new tenant tours of properties, office demand in the city jumped 25% from the year before in the fourth quarter.

Unique Cultural and Economic Dynamics

"New York City’s shift back to in-office work reflects the city’s unique cultural and economic dynamics, especially in the finance and tech sectors," said Nick Romito, CEO of VTS, in a news release.

Tightening Office Market

SL Green Realty Corp, a real estate investment trust, or REIT, concentrated in Manhattan office and retail, released earnings last week. While it missed revenue expectations, analysts pointed to further tightening in the office market as leasing demand accelerates.

New Job Creation

On a call with analysts, SL Green Realty CEO Marc Holliday noted that the city’s Office of Management and Budget is forecasting about 38,000 new office-using jobs in 2025, mostly stemming from finance, business services, and information technology. "That translates into millions and millions of square feet of new absorption for each one of those bodies, and those are not work-from-home bodies for the most part," said Holliday.

Strong Demand Expected

"Combine that with the fact that on-site attendance is rising every month as companies are calling people back to the office four and five days a week. We expect to see very strong demand for office space throughout 2025," Holliday added. SL Green ended the year at 92.5% occupancy, and is projecting more than 93% leased occupancy over the coming year.

Tech Giant Expands Presence

Tech giant IBM recently signed a 92,663-square-foot expansion lease with SL Green at One Madison Avenue, increasing IBM’s total footprint at the property to more than 362,000 square feet. "The expansion of IBM’s flagship office at One Madison Avenue reaffirms a long-standing commitment to advance the technology sector in New York City and New York State, with a vibrant and collaborative workspace designed to bring employees, clients, and partners together from around the world," said Joanne Wright, IBM senior vice president for transformation and operations.

Improving Markets

New York is the clear winner in the office recovery, but VTS notes other improving markets. San Francisco saw a 32% annual growth rate in demand, a faster growth rate than New York’s, though it was starting at a much weaker position. Seattle and Chicago saw growth rates of around 15% each as employers in those cities increasingly embrace hybrid work models that require consistent in-office presence.

National Picture

The data shows that while some markets, like New York City, are rapidly returning to traditional office settings, the national picture reflects slow but steady progress. Nationally, demand in the fourth quarter was up 12% from the previous quarter. Historically, demand declines from the third quarter to the fourth quarter. "This growth is notable — not only for defying seasonal expectations, but for emerging in the midst of a cooling labor market. Businesses appear more willing to invest in office space despite economic uncertainty, signaling a shift in confidence and long-term planning," said Ryan Masiello, chief strategy officer of VTS.

Conclusion

The data suggests that the office market is experiencing a strong recovery, with New York City leading the way. As more companies commit to in-office work, the demand for office space is expected to continue to rise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current state of the office market in New York City?
A: The demand for office space in New York City has finally returned to pre-pandemic levels, driven by an influx of new workers and a drive by employers to see current workers return to the office.

Q: What are the key industries driving job growth in New York City?
A: The finance, business services, and information technology sectors are expected to drive job growth in New York City, with 38,000 new office-using jobs forecasted in 2025.

Q: What is the current occupancy rate for SL Green Realty Corp?
A: SL Green ended the year at 92.5% occupancy and is projecting more than 93% leased occupancy over the coming year.

Q: What is the current state of the office market nationally?
A: Nationally, demand in the fourth quarter was up 12% from the previous quarter, defying seasonal expectations and emerging in the midst of a cooling labor market.