Labor Violations = Deaths [This Black-Ass Life]
Welcome to the 105th installment of This Black-Ass Life! This week, we want to talk about how avoidable harm (and even death) is when companies make the choice to respect workers. We also have babies making NFTs, newlyweds, Whoopi, and other Black-ass happenings in our Other Things.
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I. The Facts
Following the preventable death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film, Rust, and the death of 8 people (with dozens more injured) at Astroworld, it’s time for us to talk about worker safety rights and labor rights. A closer examination of both of these incidents highlights why centering worker voices is imperative. But respecting human life is just too hard for capitalism!
Literally hours before Halyna Hutchins died, several workers had quit over complaints that they weren’t getting paid, that the working conditions were unsuitable, and that industry-recognized safety protocols, including gun inspections, were not being followed. There were at least two accidental gun discharges before the fatal shooting.
Sadly, what transpired on the set wasn’t shocking given that Gabrielle Pickle, the line producer on the film, was known in the industry for labor violations. In 2018, she even fired and called the police on members of a film crew attempting to unionize citing unsafe working conditions.
Live Nation, the company that promoted Astroworld, also has a long history of labor violations and lawsuits. The lawsuits included employees being struck in the head, losing their finger, a stampede at a Gwen Stefani concert resulting in injury to an attendee, and employees falling from the stage.
Why does it matter?
Respecting workers and their rights means the difference between life and death. Safety regulations are written in blood.
We have a great example of that in “right-to-work,” a law that purports to give workers “freedom” by choosing whether or not to join a union (aka encourages them against unions), and has been adopted in states across the country. We know in right-to-work states vs in states without the policy, wages drop and workplace injuries increase. Overall, an average of 15 Americans die on the job every day.
A kind reminder in our Black-ass newsletter that when we’re talking about worker struggles, we knew those deepen and loom larger when we are talking Black workers, who are overrepresented in retail, food, social service and other service industries.
Black workers have experienced the greatest collapse in their protection of collective bargaining agreement coverage.
What can my Black ass do?
We’re in the midst of a major labor movement. Check out this article on how you can support workers on strike and whatever you do please don’t cross picket lines!
There have been strikes against 178 employers this year, according to Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. There have also been nine major strikes involving at least 1,000 workers this year.
We’re also in a revolution of workers choosing to quit their jobs in protest of inadequate wages, disrespectful scheduling, and other poor workplace conditions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a record-breaking 2.9% of the entire workforce quit their jobs in August.
Support your community by giving to or sharing about mutual aid networks near you.
II. Other Things
Black-ass happenings
Y’all look at this cute AF newly married couple being smitten with each other. #BlackLoveForever
They go on some long-ass hiatuses, but it’s always good to have Desus and Mero back.
So problematic, but poised to be Number 1. Be better Summer Walker so we can wholeheartedly love you because this ALBUM IS INCREDIBLE.
I (Jumoke) still don’t know how NFTs work, but this lil baby is making millions with her art.
How are y’all feeling about Sister Act 3 from Tyler Perry who has recently pledged to hire writers and directors?
Solidarity with the students at Howard demanding better.
Our Black-Ass song(s) of the week (Jumoke):
We need a Sylvester biopic and we need it now! You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).
Things we look forward to / don’t look forward to:
I (Jumoke) look forward to more photos and videos of y’all cute ass babies getting the vaccine.
I (Mitu) finally watched Summer of Soul on Hulu (10/10 recommend!) and I look forward to a Summer of Soul playlist getting me through the end of the year.
lll. Solidarity ❤️
More quitting and reclaiming space, please.
Stay Black, thrive, and quit if you need to! We'll hit your inbox next on November 22.