A Democrat who's pushing to outlaw transit strikes

[Xithras]

46. Actually, strikes are largely a relic of the past.

In the 1950's there were an average of 350 major strikes a year nationwide across all industries. During the last decade, there were about 20 major strikes a year nationwide. Strikes aren't typically used as "negotiating tools" anymore, but as a last line of defense against abuse.

I've heard various union organizers and politicians propose alternatives to strikes over the years that could work just as well without interrupting services. One of my favorites would require companies to suspend dividend payments and payroll for management until contract disputes are settled. I have no idea how they would pull that off logistically, but holding managements paychecks would probably get them to the negotiating table faster than a strike!

I'm not opposed to limiting a workers right to strike IF that right is replaced with an alternative that is just as effective. The nature of that alternative would control whether or not I'd support any change to the law.