National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) strike in 2011
May 22, 2013 By ALANA SEMUELS - Los Angeles Times
The next wave of union protesters isn't blue collar. It's lawyers, paralegals, secretaries,
helicopter pilots, judges, insurance agents and podiatrists. These white-collar workers are not exactly the picture of the
labor movement, but they are becoming a more essential part of it as they turn to unions for help in a tough
economy as bosses try to squeeze out more profits.
"Employers have been downsizing, asking employees to take on larger roles, making them work more hours," said Nicole
Korkolis, spokeswoman for the Office and Professional Employees International Union.
"People are feeling like they need an advocate."
Members of UAW Local 2320 in New York, nearly half of whom are lawyers, voted to strike this month,
after their employer, Legal Services NYC, pushed for cuts to benefits in a recent contract negotiation. Many of them had
never been involved with labor unions before, but they said decisions by management led them to take the
drastic action of voting to strike.
