How Labor Strikes Work

In this episode, Josh and Chuck dive deep into the history and mechanics of labor strikes, exploring everything from the earliest walkouts in 1700s Philadelphia to modern-day labor disputes in sports and fast food. They break down the different types of strikes—from sick-outs and slowdowns to sit-downs and general strikes—and explain how picketing and public pressure play crucial roles in labor negotiations. The guys also cover the darker side of strike history, including violent strike-busting tactics, the role of mercenary groups like the Pinkerton Detective Agency, and landmark legislation like the Wagner Act that gave workers the legal right to strike in the first place.