Protecting Workers’ Rights During the Holiday Season: Lessons from Global Organizing

The holiday season is here—a time of joy, generosity, and, for many workers, intense pressure and long hours. From retail stores to warehouses, restaurants, and delivery services, workers bear the brunt of the holiday consumerism surge. Amid the seasonal rush, it’s critical to remember that you have rights in the workplace. 

 Unions Are Growing in North Carolina 

Here in North Carolina, the labor movement is also gaining momentum. Workers in industries ranging from warehouses to restaurants are organizing for better conditions. Despite NC being a “right-to-work” state and historically not union-friendly, workers are finding ways to come together and demand change.  

Unions in North Carolina are playing a crucial role in protecting worker rights by offering support to navigate legal protections and organizing collective actions to address workplace exploitation. The recent successful strikes and protests show that the power of solidarity can overcome even the most significant corporate resistance. 

Organizer speaking into bullhorn to crowd.

Thousands of Amazon workers around the world recently joined the “Make Amazon Pay” strike, demanding fair pay, better conditions, and respect. Their actions highlight the importance of knowing your rights and standing up against workplace exploitation—especially during the busy holiday rush. 

You Have the Right to a Safe and Fair Workplace 

No matter how busy it gets, your employer is obligated to provide a safe workplace. Unsafe conditions, which are exacerbated by excessive hours and lack of breaks, are not acceptable no matter the time of year.  

Know Your Union Rights 

Who can join a union? 

 Anyone! Even if your employer isn’t required to recognize or negotiate with a union, you can still join one. Unions provide support in many ways, from helping you understand your rights to organizing actions for fair treatment. They also allow workers to push for better conditions, like higher pay or more manageable work schedules. 

What protections do you have? 

Federal law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for organizing.  

Your employer cannot: 

  • Threaten to cut your benefits or make your job harder because you’re supporting a union. 
  • Spy on peaceful union activities. 
  • Intimidate you into revealing whether you support a union.

Organize for Collective Strength 

The holiday season is the perfect time to stand together. Talk to your coworkers about shared challenges and potential solutions. When workers unite, they can demand fair treatment, better pay, and safe working conditions. 

"Raise the wage NOW!" on protest sign.

Prioritize Your Well-Being 

Overwork and stress can take a serious toll on your health. Remember, you’re not obligated to sacrifice your health or dignity for a company’s bottom line. Take breaks when needed, speak up if conditions are unsafe, and advocate for yourself and your coworkers. 

Actionable Steps 

If you and your coworkers face unfair treatment, you can organize actions, file complaints, or seek legal support. Knowing your rights is the first step toward making meaningful changes. 

Supporting Workers Impacted by Hurricane Helene 

The holiday season is particularly difficult for workers recovering from Hurricane Helene. If you or your community were affected, resources are available to help you navigate recovery while protecting your workplace rights. Visit: ncjustice.org/ helene.