In the movie Old School, the character played by Will Ferrell (Frank the Tank) embarks on a comically memorable sprint down Main Street in his quest to establish a fraternity at the college. While the movie presents this pursuit as a hilarious and lighthearted endeavor, it underscores the determination and tenacity required to bring about change, even in the face of challenges and opposition. Similarly, unions require a strong sense of purpose and unity among workers to stand up against unfavorable conditions, or unjust treatment, or “frankly” better pay and benefits. Just as Ferrell's character rallied his fraternity brothers, unions bring workers together to amplify their voices, advocating for fair wages, safe working environments, and improved benefits. Recently, *UPS, *Yellow Corp., the UAW and Hollywood actors and writers are involved with their unions in these same talks and negotiations. Both sides need to work together to reach a win-win resolution. *UPS, Teamsters reached an agreement in labor negotiations on July 25, 2023, securing wage increases for all workers.*Yellow Corp. declared bankruptcy on July 31, 2023 after years of financial struggles.  

The parallels between the movie's spirited fraternity-building and the efforts of unions extend to the concept of collective action. Unions provide a platform for workers to negotiate with employers as a unified front, allowing them to push for improved working conditions and equitable treatment. Strikes, often seen as a last resort, are demonstrations of the collective power workers wield, temporarily disrupting business operations to emphasize their demands. Much like the very funny scenes in Old School, where chaos ensues as the fraternity attempts to establish its presence, strikes can be tumultuous but effective in achieving their goals by showcasing the significance of a united workforce.

In both the fictional world of Old School and in reality with unions, the pursuit of a common goal needs determination, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge leadership. As society continues to evolve, the lessons from these endeavors remind us that the spirit of unity and the courage to stand up for one's rights remain essential components of bringing about meaningful change. Just as Ferrell's character's mad dash down Main Street captured our attention, unions and strikes capture the essence of collective action, highlighting the enduring power of solidarity in the face of adversity. 

What does this mean for us in the transportation industry?  Well, I believe the following:

• More disruption
• Quicker changes in the market
• More regulation
• More opportunities

Let's hope for the sake of the American people and our economy, cooler heads prevail and strikes are averted.