Sectoral Bargaining: A Political Aspect to Combating Exploitation in the Fast Food Industry

By Zuting H.
Abstract: Fast food workers are often subject to exploitative labor practices in the workplace. A major cause to blame is the increasing decline of unionization in the United States. As a result, workers are left vulnerable and their working conditions are even worse. Though unionizing is pushed by many as a means to address these workplace struggles, glaring limitations hold it back. Therefore, sectoral bargaining, a form of collective bargaining for negotiations between workers and employers, is the most effective solution. It grants workers power in negotiation, provides wage increases, and encourages ethical labor norms. Though sectoral bargaining is not widely understood and may not resonate in politics, there is enough evidence to support the idea that it is a valuable measure in addressing exploitation in the fast food industry.
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Summary: Fast food workers continue to suffer the impacts of exploitation in the workplace. Many struggle to make ends meet, given the median wage being $11.47 an hour and the fast food industry being among the 12 lowest paying jobs in America, leaving 40% of its workers in near poverty. In order to resolve this issue, implementing sectoral bargaining will open the path to a brighter workplace for fast food workers, considering the fact that it grants workers power in negotiation, provides wage increases, and encourages ethical labor norms. 

While many deem unionization as a solution for problems that fast food workers face, its decline is an evident problem, especially in allowing for exploitative labor practices. A decline in unionization slows down efforts to reinvigorate the labor movement, diminishing workers’ ability to fight for change. This also results in poor working conditions, where workers are overworked and face both mental and physical health concerns. Though many favor unionization as a solution because it allows for effective bargaining between employers and employees to take place and holds influence on the wage structure, unionization lacks the social capital to obtain necessary resources or favors. Additionally, labor laws tend to favor employers over employees.

Sectoral bargaining is a form of collective bargaining that aims to enable negotiation between workers and employers on fair terms regarding workplace issues. It proves itself to be the most effective solution in addressing the issue of exploitative labor practices in the fast food industry through many means. Sectoral bargaining helps workers garner support and raise awareness for their campaigns while representing and benefiting all workers regardless of union affiliation. Wage theft can be deterred, wage inequality can be reduced, and workers can earn sustainable wages as a result. Employers could also be held accountable for unjust decisions, which tackles the root of exploitation in this industry and promotes better working conditions. Although there is a lack of widespread understanding and political resonance for sectoral bargaining, with its implementation, fast food workers will be ensured fairer treatment in the workplace.

Keywords: sectoral bargaining, unionization, fast food, labor movement, working conditions, wages