Catherwood LibraryILR School

On the fiftieth anniversary of the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, thousands of low-wage workers, especially service workers, took to demonstrations around the country, demanding union representation in the workplace and a living wage for all. Workers in Memphis, with the support of the Fight for $15 campaign, led a march through the city, much like their predecessors half a century ago. Unfortunately, participants in these demonstrations and onlookers alike were quick to note that many of the grievances cited by discontent workers were identical to those from the 1960s, showing a lack of progress for labor. Many demonstrators were individuals working several jobs who still could not afford to adequately provide for themselves and their families but opponents of the demonstrations claim that these protests actually hurt the hiring prospects of individuals in similarly dire economic conditions, ultimately backfiring.