What are strikes and why do they happen?
Strikes are a collective action taken by a group of workers who refuse to work as a means of protesting against an employer or organization. Typically, the workers will stop working until their demands are met, which may include better working conditions, higher wages, or more benefits.
Strikes happen when workers feel that their employer or organization is not meeting their needs or treating them fairly. This can include issues such as low wages, unsafe working conditions, lack of benefits, or discrimination. Workers may also strike to support other workers who are experiencing similar issues.
Strikes are typically seen as a last resort for workers who feel that other avenues for resolving their issues have been exhausted.
How do strikes affect everyday life in the expat country?
A strike can have a significant impact on everyday life in a country, depending on its scale and duration. Here are some ways in which a strike can affect everyday life:
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Disruption of public transportation
If transportation workers participate in the strike, it can result in disruptions to public transportation, such as buses, trains, and subways. This can make commuting to work or school difficult and cause delays. For instance, a recent series of strikes by municipal workers in Germany led to a complete halt of many trains and trams across major cities as well as disruptions in the operations of the airports in Düsseldorf and Cologne/Bonn.
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Closure of public services
If government workers participate in the strike, it can result in the closure of public services such as schools, hospitals, and government offices. This can cause inconvenience to people who depend on these services. For example, the Canadian province of Ontario had to temporarily close hundreds of schools when over 55,000 education workers went on strike in November 2022.
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Interruption of commerce
If workers in the private sector participate in the strike, it can result in the closure of businesses or interruptions to production. This can result in shortages of goods or services and can also impact the economy. In November 2021, workers in most group companies owned by Walmart-led Massmart Holdings in South Africa went on strike. This included some of the biggest supermarket stores, such as Makro and Builders, as well as Mass Cash, which has 229 stores throughout the country.
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Protests and demonstrations
Strikes often involve protests and demonstrations, which can result in traffic disruptions, road closures, and potential violence. This can make it difficult to navigate the city and can also pose a risk to personal safety. In February of this year, in England and Wales, teachers at various schools went on strike and formed picket lines, demanding higher salaries. As a result of the strikes, school gates were closed, and many trains were halted, leading to a return to remote learning and work from home, which was reminiscent of the COVID-19 lockdowns.
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Financial impact
A prolonged strike can have a significant financial impact on both the workers participating in the strike and the wider economy. Workers may lose income, and businesses may suffer losses. For instance, the railroad strikes in Washington DC in 2022 were projected to cause the layoffs of as many as 765,000 people in just the first two weeks. Prolonged railroad strikes were also projected to affect water and food across the country, impact retail shopping, drive up gas prices — and more.
Overall, a strike can cause significant disruptions and inconvenience to everyday life in a country. It's important to stay informed and plan accordingly if you are living or traveling in a country where a strike is taking place.
How to plan everyday life amidst a strike?
Planning your daily life as an expat during a strike can be challenging, but there are a few steps you can take to help you navigate the situation.
Stay informed
Keep up-to-date with the latest news about the strike, including the duration, the areas affected, and the impact on transportation, shops, and public services. Follow local news sources, social media, and official government websites.
Plan ahead
If you know a strike is coming, plan your activities around it. Consider rescheduling non-essential appointments, stock up on groceries and essential supplies, and plan alternative routes for your commute. Also, be prepared for potential disruptions in public transportation, such as bus or train cancellations.
Be flexible
If your usual routine is disrupted, be prepared to be flexible and adapt your plans accordingly. Consider working from home, using a different mode of transportation, or altering your schedule.
Connect with other expats
Reach out to other expats in your community for support and advice. They may have useful tips on how to navigate the strike or be able to share information about local resources that can help you.
Stay safe
If the strike escalates, it's important to prioritize your safety. Avoid areas where protests are taking place and follow any instructions from local authorities.
Remember that strikes are a temporary disruption, and things will eventually return to normal. By staying informed, planning ahead, and being flexible, you can minimize the impact of a strike on your daily life as an expat.
Recent strikes in Europe
Recent and ongoing industrial actions and demonstrations in European countries are calling for better pay and working conditions in light of high energy prices and the increasing cost of living. Strikes persist as workers demand better treatment. Below are details of some of the most recent protests.
Greece
Railway workers' associations throughout the nation have launched strikes, causing national rail services and the subway in Athens to halt. The strikes are a protest against working conditions and what the workers perceive as insufficient modernization of the Greek rail system following a train collision accident on February 28, 2023.
France
French labor unions have urged for a second nationwide strike on Tuesday in response to the government's proposal to raise the retirement age, hoping to recreate the massive turnout seen during the initial protest on January 19, where over a million individuals participated in opposition to the reform.
The primary school teachers' union declared that half of their members would participate in the strike, while employees from all industries, including oil refineries, also made plans to participate in the protest.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is bracing for one of the most significant coordinated industrial actions in recent years, with up to half a million employees nationwide demonstrating against the government's proposed anti-strike laws and its failure to finance salary increases for public sector workers.
According to numerous sources, the series of protests (scheduled over the months of February and March 2023) will be the closest thing to a general strike in the UK since the 1970s.
Spain
Approximately 160 air traffic controllers in Spain initiated a strike as part of a series of five strikes scheduled every Monday between January 30 and February 27. The goal of the strikes was to demand that the government increase the consumer price index and revoke a 12-15 percent reduction in wages. It is anticipated that the weekly strike will have an impact on 28 percent of all air traffic in Spain.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands has been experiencing a string of public transportation strikes for several months as labor unions struggle to come to terms with public transport companies over wages, employment agreements, and worker burdens. Employees in various regions staged protests on February 22 and 24, and both the FNV and Christian National Trade Union (CNV) stated that additional strikes would take place in the following weeks. An earlier strike caused about 40 percent of Netherlands' public transportation to be canceled in various regions.
In summary
Strikes can have significant impacts on the lives of expats, from disruptions in transportation and public services to economic and financial consequences.
Expats who are planning to relocate to countries that experience frequent labor unrest should be aware of the potential risks and consider taking appropriate measures to mitigate any potential consequences.
In the event of a strike, expats should monitor the situation closely, stay informed through reputable news sources, and take precautions to ensure their safety and well-being. While strikes are a legitimate form of protest, they can also pose challenges for individuals and communities alike.
By understanding the nature and effects of strikes, expats can better prepare themselves for any potential disruptions that may arise.
