Meaning: The quote by Ernest Mandel delves into the relationship between workers, their labor power, and the constraints imposed by the capitalist economy. It highlights the inherent limitations that workers face in their ability to strike and resist exploitation within the existing economic system. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to explore the broader context of labor relations, the dynamics of capitalism, and the implications for workers' agency and resistance.

In capitalist economies, workers are compelled to sell their labor power in exchange for wages, as they do not own the means of production. This arrangement creates a fundamental power asymmetry between the capitalists who own and control the means of production and the workers who depend on selling their labor power to earn a living. Mandel's quote underscores the inherent contradiction that arises from this dynamic – the very act of relying on selling their labor power for survival limits the ability of workers to engage in sustained collective action such as striking.

The notion that "workers do not strike every day" reflects the practical realities of labor organizing within a capitalist framework. While strikes can be a potent tool for workers to assert their demands and challenge exploitation, the imperative to secure wages and maintain livelihoods often constrains the frequency and duration of such actions. Workers must navigate the economic imperative to sell their labor power to sustain themselves and their families, making the prospect of continuous, unrestrained striking unfeasible within the existing system.

Mandel's observation draws attention to the structural constraints that shape the behavior of workers within capitalist economies. The imperative to maintain a steady income and meet basic needs limits the extent to which workers can disrupt the normal functioning of the economy through strikes. This underscores the inherent tension between the economic imperatives that govern workers' lives and their aspirations for collective action and resistance.

Moreover, the quote highlights the systemic nature of the challenges facing workers within capitalist economies. It points to the ways in which the very structure of the capitalist system – with its reliance on wage labor and profit-driven production – shapes and constrains the agency of workers. The need to sell their labor power to survive not only limits the frequency of strikes but also influences the broader dynamics of labor relations and class struggle.

In conclusion, Ernest Mandel's quote encapsulates the complex interplay between workers, their labor power, and the imperatives of the capitalist economy. It underscores the inherent limitations that workers face in their ability to engage in sustained collective action, such as striking, due to the structural constraints imposed by the capitalist system. By delving into these themes, the quote invites critical reflection on the nature of labor relations, class dynamics, and the challenges of organizing within the framework of capitalism.