Surge in Strikes: Over 500,000 Workers Took Action in 2023

In 2023, the number of workers participating in strikes more than doubled compared to the previous year, marking a significant surge in labor activism. This increase, as outlined in a new annual report from the Labor Action Tracker, is attributed to various factors, including notable strikes by actors, writers, and members of the United Auto Workers (UAW).

Report Findings

Compiled by the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University and the Labor and Employment Relations School at the University of Illinois, the report identified 470 work stoppages in 2023, with 466 of them classified as strikes. These strikes involved approximately 539,000 workers, a substantial rise from the roughly 224,000 workers involved in strikes in 2022.

Influential Strikes

The surge in strike activity was largely influenced by high-profile strikes in Hollywood, the auto industry, the Kaiser Permanente healthcare system, and Los Angeles schools. These strikes, often characterized by extensive media coverage and lasting durations, drew attention to critical labor issues and demonstrated the determination of workers to advocate for their rights.

Factors Driving Strike Activity

According to Alex Colvin, the dean of the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell, several factors contributed to the surge in strike activity. A robust labor market, increased activism within the labor movement, and shifting public sentiment towards labor issues all played roles. Additionally, the emergence of innovative and proactive union leadership, exemplified by figures like Shawn Fain, has energized labor activism.

Key Demands and Trends

The primary demands of work stoppages remained consistent with previous years, focusing on issues such as wages, health and safety, and staffing levels. Interestingly, a significant portion of work stoppages were led by nonunion workers, underscoring a growing trend of labor activism beyond traditional union structures.

Rise of Short Work Stoppages

A noteworthy trend observed in 2023 was the increase in short-term work stoppages, including one-day strikes and strikes lasting two to four days. This trend reflects a strategic shift in labor tactics, with unions leveraging shorter strikes to assert their demands and address pressing issues, such as declining pay and working conditions.

Conclusion

The resurgence of strike activity signals a renewed assertiveness among workers and unions in advocating for their interests. As labor activism continues to evolve, strikes are expected to remain a prominent tool for workers to address grievances and push for meaningful change in the workplace.