The current state of American politics and the nation’s pressing issues continue to take a toll on working-class families. Inflation, at levels not seen in decades, remains a significant concern, especially for the struggling middle class. The influx of millions of undocumented migrants at the southern border since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021 exacerbates economic challenges, as these individuals enter the country without proper documentation or tax obligations, further stagnating wages.
Over 60% of Americans still live paycheck to paycheck, a trend that has persisted since the 1990s, with the cost of living steadily rising while wages remain largely unchanged.
The American working class is growing increasingly frustrated with the declining quality of life. The loss of millions of manufacturing jobs since the signing of NAFTA in 1994, coupled with the diminished power of trade unions like the UAW (United Auto Workers), has exacerbated these issues. The ongoing UAW strike, which began in September, has led to the layoffs of over 5000 workers by companies, with the strike showing no signs of resolution.
Healthcare workers, particularly after the challenges posed by the pandemic, are among the most overworked and underpaid individuals in the country. Following the UAW strike, a historic strike involving 75,000 Kaiser Permanente employees has further highlighted the disparities in the healthcare sector. This strike, initially intended to last three days, commenced after union leaders warned of its occurrence if a new contract wasn’t reached by the specified deadline.
